§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have been made for the discharge from Woolwich Arsenal of 126 able-bodied and 116 disabled ex-service men within the next few weeks; whether this decision has been arrived at without consultation with representatives of the ex-service men and is thus considered to be a violation of the promise given; and whether, in view of the irritation being caused by the present policy of the authorities, he will have the decision cancelled pending consultation with the representatives of the men?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that notice of the discharges in question was given in accordance with the procedure laid down. Under this procedure it was arranged that when discharges were a likely contingency, the official of the Government department concerned would consult with a committee of ex-service men as to the best means which could be adopted to secure the minimum of distress or hardship and to discuss the best means of carrying out the discharges impending in that department, and considering whether work could not be found for the men elsewhere. I am, however, making further enquiries into the matter and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.