§ 76. Mr. ANEURIN WILLIAMSasked the Pensions Minister whether the training of blind soldiers is carried out at the public expense or by voluntary funds; and, in the latter alternative, what are the reasons why such training is not carried out by his Department at the public expense?
§ Sir J. CRAIGUnder the Royal Warrant charges in respect of the training of a disabled man may only be paid by the Ministry if they are not otherwise provided for. As it would hardly be possible to improve upon the training given at St. Dunstan's Hostel, and at Newington House, Edinburgh, no occasion arises for making other provision. The present arrangement is to the advantage of the men, as it enables their allowances to be paid to them in full without deduction for the cost of maintenance. A blind man who is single thus receives besides his training and maintenance 27s. 6d. per 875 week, and a man with a wife and three children receives for himself and his family, and in addition to his own maintenance, £3 3s. a week. These amounts are in addition to the bonus of 5s. a week granted at the conclusion of the training.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling in the country that this training should be done at the public expense without any diminution of benefit to the men?
§ Sir J. CRAIGNo; I have nothing in any quarter but approval for the training in St. Dunstan's.