HC Deb 25 February 1920 vol 125 cc1672-4
38. Major HILLS

asked the Minister of Labour whether any, and, if so, how much of the £500,000 allotted for training women will be applied to assist women to complete their education interrupted by the War, in similar manner to the £6,000,000 allotted for men's education?

Sir R. HORNE

The Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment, to whom the sum of £600,000 referred to has been allocated from the National Relief Fund, are giving careful consideration to the problem of women whose education or training was interrupted in consequence of the War. The Committee are working in the closest co-operation with the heads of the women's services and other organisations concerned.

Mr. MARRIOTT

Is it the case that £6,000,000 has been allotted?

Sir R. HORNE

I do not find any statement in the question about £6,000,000?

Mr. MARRIOTT

Yes, there is.

Sir R. HORNE

Then I beg pardon, certainly.

Captain REDMOND

Has any of this been allocated to the training of women in Ireland?

Sir R. HORNE

The Committee which is dealing with the matter acts entirely on its own discretion. I have no doubt it will consider every proposal that comes before it.

Mr. DEVLIN

What department makes these proposals?

Sir R. HORNE

This matter is in a somewhat anomalous position. The fund is not in any way under my jurisdiction, nor is the committee. This particular committee of women, who were charged under previous funds with the duty of helping women whose interests were injured in the War, were awarded this sum by the National Relief Fund. They came to me and asked for my help, and I am giving my help, but I have no jurisdiction over anything they do, nor can I supervise their executive actions. They act according to their own discretion in the matter. I put the whole of my machinery at their disposal to give them help.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest that in the distribution of this money the needs of each country should be considered?

Sir R. HORNE

I think it is for those who hold that view to put their applications before the committee.

Captain REDMOND

Is there any representative of Irish women on this committee;

Sir R. HORNE

I cannot answer that from memory.

40. Major HILLS

asked the Minister of Labour if he can give the House any details beyond those already published of the application of the £500,000 allotted for the training of women?

Sir R. HORNE

Full details of; the proposals contemplated by the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment have already been published. I understand that the Women's Committee hope within a few days to make a further announcement dealing with the method of application for individual assistance, and giving details of the procedure to be adopted in selecting applicants.