HC Deb 18 November 1946 vol 430 cc512-3
55. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many ex-Servicemen have started training in forestry work under the Government scheme; and how many, having started, have since given up.

Mr. T. Williams

One thousand and thirty-six ex-Servicemen started training in forestry work under the Government scheme, and 260 have since given up.

Mr. Vane

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a very high and disturbing proportion? And is he aware that on some of the Forestry Commission estates the men are disappointed that they are expected to do monotonous work and get very little training?

Mr. Williams

I think that the true answer is that many of the applicants were ex-Servicemen who prior to undertaking this work were in sedentary occupations and who, in many cases, after a few days found that forestry work was not suited to them.

Mr. Vane

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into any case if I send him the correspondence?

Mr. Williams

Certainly.