§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Minister of Labour if candidates for educational or agricultural training Grants are, after approval by the Appointments Department, passed on to the Board of Trade and Board of Agriculture respectively for the award; if this dual control by Government Departments is in the best interests of the candidates; and, if not, whether he will endeavour to arrive at an agreement with the Departments concerned by which the whole matter is left in his hands, subject to adequate liaison being established?
§ Sir ROBERT HORNEThe existing system works upon the basis of a common pool in the Appointments Department of all applicants or training under the Training Grants Scheme; but it is the fact that applicants for educational or agricultural training are passed on, after a preliminary review of their qualifications, to the educational or agricultural Departments. This system does not mean duality of control; it merely means that these particular types of applicants are dealt with by the Department which is technically best qualified to do so. Co-ordination in questions of principle is secured by periodical conferences between representatives of the Departments concerned. I do not think that any better system could have been devised at the outset of the scheme. I am satisfied that no change would be practicable now.