HC Deb 28 September 1944 vol 403 cc415-6
51. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Agriculture what scheme there is to enable disabled officers and men to receive agricultural training at universities or agricultural colleges; and if he will publish details.

Mr. Hudson

Awards may be made under the Further Education and Training Scheme announced in this House by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service on 25th March, 1943, to enable suitably qualified men and women released from the armed forces or other forms of full-time war service to take degree or diploma courses in agriculture and allied subjects at University Departments of Agriculture and Agricultural Colleges. Applications from persons discharged through disability or on medical grounds are already being accepted and a number of awards have been made. Details of the Scheme, which was designed for full operation after the war, were published at the time of the original announcement, and an explanatory leaflet can be obtained by any interested person on application to the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

Sir I. Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend consider this point? It has been the practice to put disabled men on to farms or into industry rather than to train them. It is much better for them, and ultimately for the nation, to get them trained. Will he see that that is done as far as his Department is concerned?

Mr. Hudson

My hon. and gallant Friend's Question refers to men and women suitable for professional and higher technical posts to obtain the necessary training. I have answered that. Separate arrangements are being made for the training of those who intend to take up practical work on the land under the scheme announced a few weeks ago.