asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what proportion of the recruits to the Civil Service during 1946 were ex-Servicemen; and whether, in view of the general manpower shortage, he is satisfied that the maximum use is being made of disabled men in Government appointments.

Of those declared successful in 1946 in the main reconstruction competitions for established posts open to men, rather over one half were ex-Servicemen. No figures are available showing the corresponding proportion in the case of temporary Government appointments. At present over 5 per cent. of all Government employees are registered disabled persons. Departments have been instructed to give special attention to applications for employment by disabled persons when making appointments.