§ Mr. Whiteasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is an obligation of local authorities and contractors engaged in carrying out works in connection with air-raid precautions schemes to employ a definite proportion of ex-service men?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have been asked to reply. Local authorities who require additional labour in connection with work under air-raid precautions schemes have been advised that all such labour should be obtained through the Employment Exchanges. I do not think it would be practicable for the Department to stipulate the engagement of any definite proportion of particular classes of individuals; but as the hon. Member may know, it is the practice of the majority of the larger local authorities to restrict their contracts, save in exceptional circumstances, to firms enrolled on the King's National Roll.