HC Deb 15 December 1919 vol 123 cc79-80W
Colonel YATE

asked the Postmaster-General how many disabled ex-professional sailors and soldiers had been given employment in the Post Office during the years 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918; and how do these figures compare with the numbers of ex-professional soldiers allotted to vacancies in the Post Office during the years immediately previous to 1914?

Mr. PEASE

The records kept by the Post Office do not distinguish between different types of soldiers and sailors who are given employment in the Post Office, and I regret that the figures asked for by the hon. and gallant Member are therefore not available.

Sir T. BRAMSDON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. F. C. Meyer, of 7, St. Helens Park Crescent, Southsea, was discharged from the Army in February, 1919, and applied for a course of dental training at Guy's Hospital in March, 1919, the necessary forms being filled and dispatched on the 1st April, 1919; that he was accepted at Portsmouth for training, being already a registered dental student; that in spite of repeated applications he has, up to date, received nothing but an intimation that the case has been transferred to the Board of Education, and a Form O 13 to be filled up and returned, and if he will say when Mr. Meyer may expect to receive the necessary grant to complete his education and training?

Sir R. HORNE

The procedure in connection with applications of this type is that the Ministry of Labour are responsible for the preliminary scrutiny of the application, while the final decision rests with the Board of Educaton. I much regret that, owing to delay on the part of an officer whose services have since been terminated, the case of Mr. Meyer was not passed on to the Board of Education until July. I understand from the Board of Education that the subsequent delay was due to the fact that it was not until December that Mr. Meyer completed the necessary form which was sent to him on the 28th July. I may add that a grant to Mr. Meyer has now been sanctioned by the Board of Education.