§ 29. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists among ex-service men at the training institution, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, in respect of the Ministry's refusal to pay a training bonus to light leather workers as promised by the medical superintendent; and, if so, will he have the matter remedied?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Mr. J. W. Muir)I have been asked to reply. Preston Hall is not under the control of 1731 the Ministry, but I understand that a number of the men who have been sent there for treatment by the Ministry have been provided by the medical superintendent with occupation in light leather work. In view of the agreement arrived at between the Ministry of Labour and representatives of the leather goods trade, my right hon. Friend is not in t position to recognise any course of instruction that can be given in this trade at Preston Hall as sufficient to qaulify for the payment of bonus. I am, however, inquiring further into the position, and will communicate later with my hon. Friend.
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is absolutely impossible to hear some of the replies to questions? When some of the Ministers stoop down towards their papers we cannot hear a word of their answers.