HC Deb 15 August 1916 vol 85 cc1638-9
30. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board what schemes are already in hand for the training of partially disabled soldiers; how many soldiers are now undergoing a course of training; and whether the Government accepts responsibility for the industrial employment of these men when their course of training comes to an end?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the Circular recently issued by the Statutory Committee, which deals at some length with the training and employment of disabled sailors and soldiers after they have left the Service. Schemes of training are already in force at Roehampton, at Brighton, at St. Dunstan's, and in certain polytechnics and technical institutes, and, when the local committees are in working order, I hope that a complete scheme, such as is indicated in the Circular, will be in operation. Numbers could not at present be given. The Statutory Committee are entrusted with the function of making provision for the training and employment of disabled officers and men, and the hon. Member will find in the Circular information as to the methods which the Committee propose to adopt.

Mr. WARDLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the schemes to which he has referred are financed by the Government in any degree whatever?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

Yes, Sir; some of them are financed by funds which are more or less under the control of the Government.

33. Mr. WATSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board whether the Statutory Pensions Committee will consult with the Scottish Board of Agriculture as well as with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries with regard to the provision of training for partially-disabled ex-service men in agricultural processes?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The answer is in the affirmative.