HC Deb 13 November 1918 vol 110 cc2671-2
31. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the voluntary association formed for the purpose of giving combined training and treatment to disabled soldiers on a farm colony at Enham, in Hampshire, has been refused the appropriate Grants by the Pensions Ministry; and whether he will state the grounds for this refusal?

Mr. HODGE

It is not the case that the appropriate Grants have been refused by the Ministry, the fact being that the scheme has not yet reached the stage of development at which the Grants appropriate to it can be ascertained. The promoters of the scheme appear to have gained the impression that the Ministry has committed itself in advance to the payment of full-treatment fees (as though for in-patient hospital treatment), combined with full training fees, but for this misunderstanding neither I personally nor my Department can accept responsibility.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

if both training and treatment have to be given, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that he should give Grants for both training and treatment?

Mr. HODGE

I do not agree. We must first have a scheme before we can say what the payment shall be.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is it not a fact that a scheme has been before the right hon. Gentleman for nearly a year and we cannot got an answer from him?

Mr. HODGE

A nebulous scheme has been before me.