HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 cc1945-6
71. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, as a result of the Order prohibiting the manufacture of light baskets, many ex-Service men, trained in this trade, are in danger of becoming unemployed; and whether, as the material used for these light baskets is not suitable for the manufacture of paniers for the Army, he will make such alterations as will enable these ex-Service men to continue to earn their livelihood?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Peat)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 27th January, 1943. The special arrangements for avoiding loss of livelihood by blind workers are also applicable to disabled ex-Service men.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my hon. Friend fully aware that many of these men are partially disabled from the last war and that it is impossible for them to earn a livelihood unless they have the material? They must have material available or they cannot make a living.

Mr. Peat

That is precisely what we are doing.