§ 8. Mr. Bowlesasked the Secretary of State for War what he has done to ensure that all Army personnel shall be fully advised how to take advantage of the emergency scheme for recruitment and training of teachers.
§ Sir J. GriggA leaflet, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, specially prepared by the Ministry of Education, has been sent to all Commands at home and abroad for distribution to all officers and other ranks of the Army Educational Corps to enable them to deal with enquiries on this matter.
§ Mr. BowlesIf a man in the Army tried to find out the information and the Board of Education told him that he could ask for it through the usual Service channels, would the procedure now be clear to the man wanting the information?
§ Sir J. GriggI am sorry I did not understand the Question.
§ Mr. BowlesIs the procedure better than it was six month ago?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not know what the procedure was six months ago, but a leaflet has been sent out to enable members of the Army Educational Corps to answer inquiries without going back to the Ministry of Education for it.
§ Mr. Edmund HarveyWill the Minister follow up that leaflet by asking what steps have been taken, in view of the great need for teachers?
§ Sir J. GriggThe only way in which I could get the answer to that question would be to call for a return from every one of the thousands of units in the Army. I do not think that is a practicable suggestion.
§ Sir Joseph LambMay I ask the Minister whether this will apply equally to women and men?
§ Sir J. GriggI will not say equally—there will be corresponding facilities, certainly.