§ 77. Mr. Martinasked the Secretary of State for War how many men taken into the Army, either voluntarily or under the Military Service Acts, since 1st January, 1939, have been discharged as unfit for further service owing to wounds and sickness, respectively; in what categories the latter men had been enlisted; how many of them have received pensions; and whether any steps have been 1084 taken to afford them special facilities for re-entry into suitable civil employment?
§ Mr. LawI do not think it would be desirable to publish the figures asked for in the first part of the Question, and I could not obtain the information asked for in the second and third parts without very considerable detailed research. As regards the last part, my hon. Friend will be aware of the provisions of the relevant military service Acts regarding reinstatement in civil employment. The provision of vocational training for persons injured by enemy action is under active consideration.
§ Mr. MartinDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this matter affects not only men injured by enemy action but a large number discharged after a few months in the Army owing to disease said to have been previously latent but hitherto unsuspected; that they are often unable to follow their former employment and are consequently drifting into blind alley employment; and will he take this matter up with the Minister of Labour?