§ Sir J. DAVIDSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether ex-Service men who have served during the War are being discharged from the Government establishment at Bedenham while civilians who have never served are being retained?
§ Mr. LONGI have been asked to reply to this question. Considerable reductions in the number of men employed having become necessary, the inclusion of ex-Service men amongst the number to be discharged is unavoidable; but other things being equal, preferential consideration for retention is given to the ex-Service men; and it is under consideration whether a greater degree of preference can be given to the ex-Service men without injustice to other men of longer service in the Department.