§ 14. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Pensions Minister whether he has considered the advisability of instituting factories and village centres for the partially disabled who, owing to age or lack of educational advantages, cannot be trained in the ordinary way and who, with proper guidance and supervision, might, under such a scheme, become at least partially able to support themselves and their families?
§ Sir J. CRAIGIn the division of training functions between the Ministry of Pensions and the Ministry of Labour, men who still require medical care and attention, or whose disablement is such as to make it undesirable that they should take part in ordinary industrial life—as, for example, the severely disfigured—will be trained by the Ministry of Pensions, and the question of the manner in which this special training can best be given is engaging my right hon. Friend's attention. I am sending my Noble Friend a copy of the circular issued to the local war pensions committees on the subject.
§ 15. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the fact that the arduous character of work in mines makes it exceptionally difficult for the disabled soldiers to follow their employment and earn their pre-war wages, arrangements will be made by the Pensions Minister to secure means of an adequate livelihood for disabled men who before the War were engaged in mining or other forms of industry where heavy labour is necessary?
§ Sir J. CRAIGA disabled miner who is prevented by his disablement from following his former occupation is eligible for training in some new occupation suited to his physical condition. Men desiring such training should apply to their local war pensions committees. If a man so trained is still unable to command the wages he earned before the War, and his pension and children's allowances do not make good the difference, he is entitled to apply for an alternative pension.
§ 20. Mr. DEVLINasked the Pensions Minister whether he is now in a position to state what arrangements, if any, have been made for the medical treatment of demobilised men, suffering from impairment of health due to war service, resident in Ireland; whether he is aware that constant complaints have been made that these men either have to seek treatment under the Poor Law medical service or pay for it out of their own pockets; and whether he will at once take steps to have proper treatment provided through the Irish Health Insurance Commissioners similar to that provided by the Insurance Commissioners in Great Britain?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI cannot yet make any announcement on this matter. It is under consideration and will, I hope, be speedily settled.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman promise to have it very speedily settled; it should have been settled when the aliens question was dealt with?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI will do my best.
§ Captain REDMONDWill the hon. and gallant Member say if any differentiation is made between disabled Irish soldiers and disabled soldiers in this country?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI will myself endeavour to jealously safeguard the interests of Ireland.