HC Deb 02 May 1918 vol 105 cc1679-80
19. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Minister of National Service how many discharged soldiers and sailors have up to the present been put to learn the trade of brush making?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. Only two discharged disabled men who have been trained in brush making at the expense of the Ministry of Pensions. Nine others are at present in training. I may perhaps remind the hon. Member that the Ministry of Pensions can only provide training for men who are prevented by their disablement from resuming their former occupations, and that consequently there may be other discharged men now learning the trade of brush making who are not on the books of my Department.

Mr. HOGGE

Does my hon. and gallant Friend include the blind men at St. Dunstan's?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

No, they are not included; they are not on the books of the Department.

Mr. HOGGE

Why are the men employed at St. Dunstan's not on the books of the Department?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Because their training at St. Dunstan's is conducted privately.

Mr. HOGGE

No, it is not!