§ 28. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware 905 that a number of discharged officers who, in consequence of their service, are now only fit for some outdoor occupation, were encouraged to undergo training in forestry in Cambridge and Oxford; that, after these men had practically completed their training, they were advised to discontinue it and were informed if they preferred to continue no financial assistance could be provided; whether he is also aware that these men undertook the course of training on the definite understanding that if they passed the course successfully they would receive Government appointments; whether he will explain the reason for this change in policy on the part of the Department; and whether, in the interests of these demobilised officers, he will have the matter reconsidered?
§ Mr. WARDLEI am aware that some of the officers to whom reference is made in the first part of the question were not eventually found suitable by the Interim Forest Authority for appointment as forest officers. It is, of course, open to these officers to apply for some other form of training than forestry. I am not aware that any of the officers in question were given definitely to understand that on passing their course successfully they would receive Government appointments; but I shall be pleased to make inquiries if the right hon. Member will give me particulars of any specific case or cases which he has in mind.