HC Deb 04 August 1919 vol 119 cc16-7
43. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the Minister of Labour whether the maintenance arrangements for demobilized officers whose university careers have been interrupted will be settled in time to enable thorn to resume their studies early in October?

Mr. WARDLE

I am informed that some 4,000 awards have already been made by the President of the Board of Education to demobilised officers and men who have resumed or will resume full-time courses in higher education. These awards are being notified as quickly as possible, and it is hoped that all officers who have made the necessary application will know the result of their applications before October. Grants are already being paid to a number of candidates who have resumed their courses.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask if the finances of the country are in such a condition as to allow this counsel of perfection of sending four thousand officers to school at the taxpayer's expense to a university?

Mr. WARDLE

That is a question which should be addressed elsewhere.

An HON. MEMBER

May I ask whether the soldiers to whom this grant has been made have yet been demobilised or will they be released before October?

Mr. WARDLE

Every effort will be made to get them released by the beginning of October.