§ Mr. INSKIPasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the reorganisation of his Department., he is dispensing with the services of all men employed under the Ministry who have not served in His Majesty's forces; and whether he can give any information as to the military service overseas of Mr. Radcliffe, the new deputy regional director, south-western region, and in what respect Mr. Radcliffe's War record is superior to that of Mr. S. V. Holbrook, who, according to the Minister of Pensions, attested under the Derby scheme and volunteered for active service no less than five times?
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§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; though the general principle has always been and is to give preference to ex-service men, other things being equal. Incidentally, I may mention that 99 per cent. of the temporary male officials of the Ministry are ex-service men. Mr. Radcliffe has been retained in a pivotal post of difficulty, and I do not at present propose to dispense with his services.