§ 24. Captain LOSEBYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that inconvenience is still being caused to ex-soldiers by the fact that training grants are frequently two months and more in arrears; and if he will investigate the causes of this apparently unnecessary hardship?
§ Sir M. BARLOWCertain cases of unavoidable delay have occurred. I am not aware that payment of grants is frequently two months or more in arrears. The system of payment is that trainees receive their first instalment one month after they have commenced training, and in cases of hardship one-half the first month's instalment is paid in advance. 1376 Steps have recently been taken to ensure greater expedition in dealing with payments, and if the hon. and gallant Member will supply further particulars of the cases to which he refers, I will make investigations.
§ Captain LOSEBYIn view of certain very satisfactory reconstruction changes, may we now hope for a very vigorous attack being made upon the system?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI will mention that to my right hon. Friend.