74. Major DAVIESasked the Minister of Pensions what provision has now been made, in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively, for the training of discharged tuberculous soldiers; whether he can also state the number of occupations or industries suitable for discharged tuberculous men for which this training is provided; and whether he can inform the House what further steps he proposes to take to make further provision of a similar character?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENI am fully alive to the necessity of providing for the treatment and training men suffering from tuberculosis. Farm colonies at which treatment will be provided are being established at various places in England, Scotland, and Wales, and arrangements are well in hand in connection with colonies in Dorset, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, and North Wales. In the case of Dorset, application forms for admission to the colony have already been sent out, and the Ministry is awaiting replies. The number of industries and occupations in which training will be provided is about twelve, comprising market-gardening, pig-keeping, poultry-keeping, bee-keeping, fruit culture, intensive horticulture, forestry, and rough carpentry and smithy work. Further proposals are under consideration for the establishment of colonies in Edinburgh, Northumberland, Durham, Norfolk, Suffolk, Worcestershire, and South Wales. As the need arises in other areas similar schemes will be considered.
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENI could not say, but we have considered it in several cases.
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENThe first of these places is being opened in Dorset, and forms of application are now being sent in.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCKHas the Ministry really contributed to the original cost of any of these schemes?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENWe have already contributed in some cases a considerable sum towards the establishment of these farm colonies.