§ Colonel Sir A. SPROTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the application of Mr. H. J. Gardiner, of Kilnbeach, Auchtermuchty, has been refused assistance from the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department, although it is understood that the inspector who visited him recommended the case, this man having been in a good business as bookseller and stationer before the War, and been obliged to close his business when called up under the Military Service Act; and whether he will reconsider this case so as to give this man a restart in civil life?
2109W
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMr. Henry John Gardiner, of the Temperance Hotel, Auchtermuchty, Fifeshire, made an application to the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department for assistance towards purchasing two billiard tables and a motor car for hire purposes. The applicant carried on the business of a newsagent and stationer before enlistment, but now applies for a grant to purchase billiard tables to put into the hotel which he is running, together with his wife. As there is no medical evidence to show that he is unable to return to his pre-enlistment business, the application was refused.
My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in supposing that the investigating officer of this Department recommended the case. On the contrary, he gave several reasons why he could not recommend a grant for the purpose specified. The case has recently been referred back to the Commissioner on the question of re-starting the applicant in his pre-enlistment business.