HC Deb 14 April 1927 vol 205 cc552-3W
Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a non-service man is still retained as teacher of the boys' school and/or mess manager at the Royal Aircraft establishment, South Farnborough; whether he is substitutable; and whether en-service men are available to fill such posts?

Sir S. HOARE

I assume my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the case of Mr. Mackay. A strongly worded representation was received in 1924 from the local branch of the association of ex-service civil servants, protesting against the substitution of Mr. Mackay and it was then decided, after a review of the case in all its aspects, that no further steps to replace this gentleman should be taken. In reply to the last part, I fear I cannot commit myself as to whether and how this post would be filled should a vacancy arise.

Lieut. Colonel JAMES

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that certain disabled overseas industrial gradings at the Royal Aircraft establishment, South Farnborough, have recently been discharged or degraded; that non-service men or non-disabled en-service men of the same gradings have been retained without reduction; and why the declared policy of the Government as to the order of discharge has not been pursued?

Sir S. HOARE

As regards the first two parts of the question, the facts are that one disabled overseas man, who has been employed at Farnborough for some years past and has until recently been paid as a fitter, has been regraded as a labourer. The reason for this step is that the man has never been properly trained as and is not capable of doing the work of a skilled fitter, and it was only from consideration for his disability that he was not reduced in grading some years ago. As regards the last part of the question, the terminating of the man's employment in a grade the duties of which he was not capable of performing and the offer to him of alternative employment on unskilled work which he is capable of performing are in accord with the declared policy of the Government to grant preference for employment to disabled men.