§ Captain BOWYERasked the Minister of Labour how many of the registered unemployed are ex-service men; and what special steps the Government are taking to find them work?
§ Mr. SHAWThe periodical returns of men on the live registers of the Employment Exchanges do not show ex-service men separately. A special census taken on the 24th March last however, showed that out of 786,610 men then registered as unemployed 285,993 were ex-service men, and probably the proportion is not markedly different among the 887,800 men at present on the registers. As regards the last part of the question, Employment Exchanges are instructed to give preference, other things being equal, to ex-service men when submitting candidates for employment. In addition, Local Authorities receiving grants towards the cost of Relief Works are required in normal cases to engage ex-service men for the work to the extent of 75 per cent. of the numbers taken on. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware of the special efforts on behalf of disabled ex-service men made by the King's Roll National Council and local King's Roll Committees.
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled ex-service men who have, within the last six months, been found employment by the Employment Exchanges; how many such men were on the books six months ago; and how many are on them now?
§ Mr. SHAWThe figures asked for are only available in respect of those on the special register of disabled ex-service men, which includes all those whose disablement is regarded as a definite handicap to them in finding employment. 4,309 men from this register were placed in employment by the exchanges during the six months ended 1st September. The number on the register was 11,091 on 3rd March last, and 13,505 on 1st September.