§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of overseas ex-service men in his Department; whether a number of non-regimental officers of independent means, some of whom pay super-tax, are still being retained in high-salaried positions, while many ex-service officers are unemployed, capable of filling these positions; and will he appoint a small committee of Members of the House composed of ex-service men to inquire and report?
§ Major TRYONThe number of ex-service men in the Department is 1,211, of whom the majority have served overseas; the exact proportion could not be ascertained without detailed inquiry. As regards the second and third parts of the question, my hon. Friend will doubtloss, on further consideration, appreciate the objections to an inquiry, whether by a Committee of this House or otherwise, into the private circumstances of public officials. I am informed that the Supertax lists are not published. I am not prepared, at the suggestion of my hon. Friend, to substitute one man for another because the latter is suspected of making a large contribution in taxes to the National Exchequer.