§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Minister of Labour whether the National Shell Factory at Derby is to be utilised by the Government as a training centre for demobilised soldiers; whether the position of head of the centre has been offered to a man of military age who was employed in a civilian capacity during the war; and whether, 417W in view of the fact that demobilised men who are qualified for this post are vainly seeking employment, he will select an ex-service man for this appointment?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the gentleman who has been appointed to this post is 45 years of age, and was employed by the Ministry of Munitions as general manager of the Derby Factory and Secretary of the Derby Munitions Council. While it is the intention of my right hon. Friend to offer every suitable position at my disposal to ex-service men, it is essential in the interests of the disabled men themselves that technical efficiency should be the deciding factor in making appointments to such responsible posts as that to which reference is made.