§ Mr. G. JONESasked the Minister of Labour whether no disabled sailor or soldier was admitted to training for the boot and shoe trade in the London area during the month of May; whether he proposes to take any action to alter this state of affairs, seeing that this trade is particularly suitable for men only capable of sedentary work; and how many disabled sailors and soldiers have been trained for the boot and shoe trade since the Ministry of Labour took over the training of disabled sailors and soldiers.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is correct that on account of recent decisions of the Boot and Shoe Trade Board—who have expressed the opinion that, in view of the number of ex-service men already trained, there is a serious risk of overcrowding—no disabled ex-service man was admitted for training in this trade in the London area during the month of May. This Department have been in communication with the Trade Board on the matter, and the Board have now agreed to the training of some additional men, provided that each case has been approved by them in the first instance. The number of ex-service men who have completed training, or are now in training, for the boot and shoe trade, either under the Pensions Ministry, or with us, down to date is 4,100.