29. Mr. C. PALMERasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the negotiation with trade unions concerning the facilities to be given for the training and employment of disabled ex-soldiers?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)We are at work upon the matters referred to by my hon. Friend, and we have the great advantage of a Standing Committee on the Re-employment of Ex-service Men, which is representative of employers, trade unions, and ex-service men's associations. We have 23,500 disabled men unemployed, and are pressing in a number of directions for an extension of the application amongst public bodies and private firms of the National Scheme. We have 23,600 disabled men awaiting training—some of them, I am sorry to say, have been 425 waiting for a long time. But fairly good progress is being made in both respects.
§ 35. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he will issue a White Paper showing the details of the scheme for training ex-soldiers and setting forth the allowances received by the men at each stage of training?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, Sir; I think the suggestion a good one, and will forthwith prepare and lay a paper as my hon. Friend asks.
§ 36. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the extreme dissatisfaction prevailing among the ex-soldiers now being trained under his scheme on account of the allowance being insufficient to meet their needs; and whether he will reconsider such allowances with a view to increasing the same?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, Sir; many representations have been made to me on the point. Their purport has been placed before my colleagues. I am not in a position to give any undertaking in the matter.