§ 65. Mr. STURROCKasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that 889 ill many of the smaller urban centres in Scotland out-of-work donation continues to be paid to ex-soldiers who cannot find employment locally, and who have; not sufficient means to allow of their travelling to the bigger industrial centres; and whether, with a view to reducing the national expenditure on this unproductive donation and securing the more rapid return of ex-soldiers to productive work, he will favourably consider the institution of travelling grants, to be administered by the local authorities to men in search of work?
§ Sir R. HORNEAccording to my information, the obstacle in the way of the employment of ex-service men in the circumstances described in the question is the lack of housing accommodation in the industrial centres, rather than any inability to pay travelling expenses. The railway fare charged to an ex-service man travelling to take up employment found for him through an Employment Exchange is reduced to one-half the ordinary rate, and the amount of the fare thus charged may be advanced by the Exchange in proper cases, and subsequently repaid by the workman or his employer. I think these arrangements are working satisfactorily in providing means of travel.