§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether the Government have considered the recommendations of the Committee 1788W on the civil employment of ex-soldiers in regard to emigration, and more especially the suggestion that it should be possible to make arrangements with the Governments of the great self-governing Colonies to advance the moneys necessary to meet the expenses of transportation by insuring repayment from reserve pay or pension; and what steps, if any, have been taken to carry out this proposal and to ascertain the views of the Colonies on the subject?
§ Mr. HALDANEAs regards Reservists, emigration can only be permitted to a limited extent. As regards soldiers who have completed their engagement, the Army Council would be glad if employment with the Defence Forces of the oversea dominions could be guaranteed for a limited period—say two years. This would enable non-commissioned officers and trained soldiers to take up work for which they were fully qualified, and which would be of benefit to the dominions while they were settling down in their new environment. No advances of reserve pay can be made. Facilities for commuting pensions to a certain extent at present exist, but are only granted in cases where employment is assured. No definite steps have been taken to ascertain the views of the Dominions and Colonies.