§ Sir R. COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the approximate number of men of military age now employed by the Labour Exchanges of this country?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe number of men of military age still serving in the Employment Exchanges in Great Britain (including men who have offered themselves for service and been rejected and men not fit for general service) is approximately 1,000. The exceptional position of the staff of the Employment Exchanges with regard to enlistment was explained in my reply to the question put by the hon. Member for Wednesbury on 19th October, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the precise terms of the instructions which have been given to the Employment Exchanges not to assist men to obtain civil employment who are liable to but are evading military service?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe actual words of the instructions referred to are:—"A man who is known to be liable to and evading military service should not be placed in employment." The Board of Trade are now in consultation with the War Office as to the framing of more detailed instructions on this subject.