HC Deb 23 November 1920 vol 135 c241W
Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that appointments as sanitary surveyors and inspectors have recently been made by municipal authorities in which ex-service candidates whose training has been completed under the Ministry of Labour have not been appointed on the grounds that they were not previously in municipal employment; and whether he will cause representations to be made to the municipal authorities as to the desirability of employing qualified ex-service men who are out of work rather than giving posts to those who are at present in other employment under municipal authorities?

Sir MONTAGUE BARLOW

I am informed by the Minister of Health that during the period from 1st April, 1919, to 17th November, 1920, 286 of the 401 men appointed as sanitary inspectors or inspectors of nuisances were ex-service men. I have been in close consultation with the Minister of Health, and he has issued a circular to all municipal authorities on the subject. I am, however, aware that difficulties have arisen in some cases with regard to the appointment of ex-service men as sanitary inspectors, and I am inquiring further into the matter. Meanwhile, if my hon. and gallant Friend can give me any facts as to special cases, I will at once have them inquired into.