Mr. J. JONESasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether thousands of ex-Service men employed under the Air Ministry in the South-Eastern area have been discharged or are under notice; if so, whether he can state the reason for so many men being thrown out of employment at the same time; and whether any effort is being made in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour to find alternative employment for these men?
§ Major-General SEELYThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is that civilian subordinates have been, or are being, discharged as a consequence of the very large reduction of the Royal Air Force. With regard to the last part of the question, as I have previously stated, the anxiety caused to these men and their families is greatly regretted, but it is unavoidable under the circumstances. I am in communication with the Minister of Labour with a view to mitigating the hardship caused as far as possible.