§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Cumberland County Council in the recent appointment of a county surveyor passed over eighty-two applications, many of which were from ex-Service men, without interviewing applicants, and appointed a man with no military service and with little experience; whether he is aware that many of the applicants were men of long experience as surveyors and had had military service; that one of the applicants is a member of the council of the Institution 633W of Municipal Engineers, has had long experience in the work, presented testimonials from the chairman and vice-chairman of the West Riding County Council and the manager of the Road Board and other eminent people, and served four and a-half years in the Army; and whether, in view of the fact that the many applications made in response to the advertisement received practically no consideration, he can make representations to the Cumberland County Council on this matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI issued a Circular, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, to all local authorities urging the giving of preference to competent ex-Service men; and in the present instance I brought the complaint to the notice of the county council, who have full discretion in the matter, and I am not in a position to take any further action with regard to it.