§ 14. Mr. HALLASasked the Pensions Minister whether there have been several schemes under consideration for the establishing of convalescent training centres for disabled Service men; and, if so, how many are in operation, how many men are undergoing such training, and at what cost up to date?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)The establishment of convalescent centres for the concurrent treatment and training of discharged disabled men has engaged my earnest attention for some time past. Labour and other difficulties have hindered progress, but a centre at Blackpool, to accommodate from 600–1,000 men, will be opened on the 25th November, to be followed by others in different parts of the country. Another large centre at Epsom has been delayed for nearly six months owing to a wage difficulty which has stopped all progress. In addition to these large institutions, smaller centres 1100 have been established. So far the number of men undergoing concurrent treatment and training is negligible, but with the establishment of the larger centres it is hoped within the next few months to have full facilities for 2,500 cases. It is proposed, in addition, to increase the number of smaller centres. Figures of the cost to date are not at present available as the Office of Works is still engaged in the necessary structural alteration of premises.
§ Mr. EDWARD WOODHow many men are there for whom no provision has yet been possible?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid it is impossible to make any estimate of how many could be treated in the convalescent training centres until we are able to sort out the men suitable for those centres.
Captain COOTEHas there been any difficulty in preparing the necessary buildings for setting up these training centres?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI think the answer to the original question shows that there have been grave difficulties, which I hope are being overcome.