§ Sir P. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men who have been employed in France by the Imperial War Graves Commission are likely to be discharged in the near future; and whether any steps have been taken to provide them with suitable employment upon their return to England?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAs progress is made towards completion of the work of construction, the staff of the Imperial War Graves Commission is being reduced to that required for permanent maintenance; it will consequently be necessary to dispense with the services of a considerable number of those at present employed. Every possible effort is being made by the Commission to find suitable employment for the men on discharge, and they will welcome any assistance which can be given for this purpose.
§ Sir P. RICHARDSONfurther asked whether preference in employment is given by the imperial War Graves Commission in France to men who were previously gardeners in civil life, and particularly to married men, or 949W to men who were labourers and have been promoted, and particularly to single men or men who have married French wives?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIn selecting men for first employment on the horticultural staff of the Imperial War Graves Commission, preference is given to men who were gardeners in civil life. As regards retention in employment on reduction of staff as the work decreases, efficiency and conduct are the first consideration, but, subject to this, a preference is given to married men who have settled in the country with their families whatever may be the nationality of the wife. These rules apply equally to gardeners and gardeners' labourers.