65. Mr. HAZLETONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board how many local war pensions committees have been set up in Ireland or are now being arranged for?
Mr. HOPEFourteen schemes for the establishment of local committees in Ireland have been approved by the Statutory Committee. Four of these committees are now discharging their duties under the Naval and Military War Pensions, etc., Act, 1915.
66. Captain BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board what provision, if any, is being made by the Statutory Pensions Committee for the training of partially disabled ex-Service men in agricultural processes?
Mr. HOPEThe Statutory Committee have been in consultation with the Board of Agriculture with regard to proposals for the establishment of agricultural colonies and the training of disabled men, in order to fit them to become small holders. The Board of Agriculture have offered for a limited number of disabled men a course of training in an agricultural college. The men will be provided with board and lodging in the college free of charge to themselves, and no deduction will be made from their State pensions. The Statutory Committee have informed the local committees that applications on behalf of men who appear suitable for such training may be made to the Board of Agriculture. The Statutory Committee have also been in communication with the Joint Committee of the Land Settlement Scheme, who are submitting further proposals.
Captain BATHURSTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this experiment was started about twelve months ago and has proved a failure?
Mr. HOPEI must ask my hon. Friend to put that question down for a day when my right hon. Friend can be here.
§ Mr. WATSONWill the hon. Gentleman also communicate with the Scottish Hoard of Agriculture?