§ 20. Mr. HOLMESasked the Pensions Minister what facilities are available for the instruction and training of discharged 742 soldiers whose industrial effectiveness has been seriously impaired by deafness due to military service; and what means are taken to acquaint these men before their return to civil life with the educational methods and appliances which may be employed to mitigate the hardness of their lot?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)The Statutory Committee have made thorough inquiries into the best methods of treating and training the deaf, and, with the assistance of the Board of Education in England and of the Education Offices in Scotland and Ireland, are arranging for the establishment of centres of instruction in lip-reading. Very few deaf disabled men have, however, applied for instruction or have accepted it when offered, and it is now proposed to establish a special aural board, who will get into touch with the men at the time of discharge or renewal of pension with a view to their advising and getting the men to take the treatment or training most suitable for them.
§ Mr. HOGGEHow can deaf men refuse to accept an offer which the Government has not yet established?