Major NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the circumstances which led to the dismissal as canteen manager of H. O'Donnell, who has been canteen manager at Ballincollig Barracks, Cork, Queenstown, Monasterevan, Curragh, and Coolooney; whether he is aware that H. O'Donnell is an old soldier and ex-member of the Royal 237W Irish Constabulary; and if he will see that employment in the Canteen Department is given to ex-Service men as against civilians?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have had careful inquiries made into the circumstances of this case, and I am informed this man has been employed at six different canteens in Ireland, and in each case the management has proved unsatisfactory. In these circumstances, though an ex-Service man, it was obviously impossible to retain him. As I have previously informed the House, ex-Service men, who are available and qualified, are given employment by the Canteen Department in preference to any others.