§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by ex-Royal Air Force mechanics and artisans in obtaining civilian employment; how many men of this class have returned to civilian life from the Royal Air Force during the past two years; and how many of these have failed to secure employment?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEMy information does not suggest that ex-Royal Air Force mechanics and artisans have any difficulty special to the Royal Air Force in obtaining civil employment. But the Air Ministry fully appreciates the general difficulty and does everything in its power to help. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Guide to Civil Employment which is given to every airman on discharge. The number of discharges to civil life during the last two years is 3,615: but there are no available statistics showing how many of these men have failed to secure employment. Tests applied to certain groups show figures of unemployment ranging from 15 per cent. for those discharged over a year ago to 36 per cent. in the case of those recently discharged.