HC Deb 03 February 1944 vol 396 cc1377-9
1. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in some parts of London small bands of street musicians beg for alms; that they exhibit notices stating they are ex-miners and disabled ex-Service men; and whether, in view of the fact that this has a depressing effect on morale, particularly amongst women whose husbands are in the forces, he is satisfied that suitable work has been offered to all discharged men who are physically fit enough to spend hours a day playing in the streets?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

I can assure my hon. Friend that all men discharged from the Forces on medical grounds are interviewed by officers of my Department. Those who are fit for work are offered suitable employment or training, and treatment is available for those in need of it in order to fit them for work. I share, however, my hon. Friend's concern regarding cases of the kind to which he refers. Continuous steps are taken to check up the position, and I am considering what further measures it is possible for me to take.

Mr. Strauss

I am very much obliged to the Minister for his reply, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sight of these street musicians, many of whom appear to be strong and fit, is extraordinarily annoying to middle-aged women who are forced to do long and arduous war work, and that it has a very bad effect?

Sir Alfred Beit

Is the Minister aware that, in addition to the persons described in the Question, there are quite a number of single men begging for alms in much the same way; and will he consult the Metropolitan Police with a view to giving them greater discretion in taking action against these people?

Mr. Bevin

I am going into the whole matter. I am constantly checking up on these points.

35. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that in some parts of London small bands of street musicians beg for alms; that they exhibit notices stating they are disabled ex-Service men; and whether, in view of the fact that this has a depressing effect on morale, particularly amongst women whose husbands are in the forces, he is satisfied that the present scale of pensions is sufficient to obviate the necessity for discharged men to supplement their income in this way.

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

The rates of pension were adjusted in August last following the Government's general review of war pensions. If the men to whom the hon. Member refers are in fact war pensioners they are probably not in the higher ranges of disablement and the question of total maintenance would not therefore arise. The fact that they perform as street musicians does not prove that they are unfit for other work or for rehabilitation and training, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service has dealt with this aspect of the matter in reply to an earlier question.

Mr. Strauss

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that one effect of these street bands of disabled ex-Service men is inevitably to set women asking whether, when their husbands and sons come home, they will be reduced to the same plight?

Sir W. Womersley

I am well aware of that fact, but I am also aware that training and rehabilitation are not compulsory. We must have the consent of the man concerned, and if he feels that because he can play an instrument in the street he can make far more money than the standard rate of wages in other occupations, we cannot compel him but only try to persuade him, and let the light of publicity into these cases. I thank my hon. Friend in this instance for bringing them into the light of publicity.

Major Petherick

In view of the fact that it is stated that most of these men make a considerable income by parading in this way, and in order to allay public anxiety, will the right hon. Gentleman cause these cases, as far as practicable, to be investigated, especially of the men who are found playing musical instruments in the street?

Sir W. Womersley

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service has already said that he is going to go very fully into this matter to see whether any action can be taken.