HC Deb 17 September 1940 vol 365 c91
12. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made with the Army education scheme; whether the training report will be published; whether its recommendations have been adopted; who will direct the scheme; whether it will concern itself with troops overseas; and what money has been made available for this work?

Mr. Eden

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 5th September. The report in question was not framed with a view to publication, but a pamphlet, a copy of which I will send to my hon. Friend, has been prepared for circulation in the Army and for the information of the representatives of the civilian educational bodies who are assisting us, giving the main substance of the Committee's proposals. Mr. F. W. D. Bendall, a Divisional Inspector of the Board of Education, has now been appointed Director of Education with an appropriate secretariat to supervise the scheme. While the immediate problem is to secure adequate provision for the troops at home during the coming winter, the requirements of the troops overseas are also being considered. The necessary funds have been placed at my disposal for developing the work.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the Minister say what sum of money has actually been allocated for this purpose?

Mr. Eden

A certain sum of money has been made available for books and other purposes, and perhaps I can send the hon. Gentleman the information.

Mr. Mander

Will the Minister send me a copy of this report?

Mr. Eden

With pleasure.