HC Deb 22 October 1918 vol 110 cc600-2
58 Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Pensions Minister whether the Committee to which schemes for finding employment for disabled men was referred has come to any decision on the subject; if so, what that decision is; and, if not, what steps he purposes to take to promote an early settlement of this problem?

Similar questions stood upon the Order Paper in the names of Mr. WING and Major BOWDEN.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions has asked me to reply on his behalf. The hon. Members refer, I presume, to certain proposals for the re-employment of disabled men which were submitted to a Sub-committee of the Labour Resettlement Committee. That Sub-committee has not yet at present arrived at definite conclusions in regard to them. The whole matter is now receiving the close personal consideration of my right hon. Friends the Minister of Pensions and the Minister of Labour.

Mr. WING

May we take it that a decision will be given at a very early date?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I hope so.

62. Major BOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister whether he proposes steps to compel employers, by an Act of Parliament, to find employment for disabled men if they are found unwilling to do so on a voluntary system?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The question of the method to be adopted to secure the re-employment of disabled men is now under the consideration of my right hon. Friend and the Minister of Labour. In the meantime, I may say at once that I am not at present aware of any practicable proposal for compelling employers to find employment for disabled men, as suggested by the hon. Member.

Major BOWDEN

I am glad to hear that, but I would like to ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman if he has given consideration, and, if not, whether his Department will give serious consideration, to a simple voluntary system or scheme, such as is embodied in what is known as the Rothband scheme, which has the support of a large number of Members of this House?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

We are always prepared to consider any good scheme that is put before us.

Major BOWDEN

This scheme has been before the Ministry for twelve months—have you considered it?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Yes; I believe that we have considered it.

Major BOWDEN

What was the result of that consideration?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I must ask for notice of that question.