§ Mr. LORT WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether the machinery for the training of ex-Service 1090W men has broken down; if not, whether he can say how many ex-Service men have been accepted for training since the administration was transferred from the Ministry of Pensions to his Department, how many of these men have taken their first step in training, and how many of these men from Bermondsey have been able to secure training since such transfer; and whether he is aware that the desire for training among such men is being effectually killed by the paralysis of the training Department?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; to the second part that, while it is impossible to give retrospective figures relating to particular districts, as regards London as a whole the number of men in training has already been doubled since training was transferred to the Ministry of Labour, and to the third part, that while. I fully recognise the disappointment and irritation caused by delay, the size of the existing waiting lists which it is hoped soon materially to reduce, do not bear out the apprehensions of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Minister of Labour why Private James Smith, No. 201497 1/6th Battalion Black Watch, who enlisted under the Derby scheme in November, 1915, and served throughout the War and was granted a subsistence allowance of £10 per month, to be paid monthly from and after 6th October, 1919, to enable him to study for the qualifying examination of the Pharmaceutical Society, the said grant only being given on the undertaking that he resigned from his then employment, has never received any payment of the said grant?
§ Sir R. HORNEPayment of the grant awarded to Private James Smith has been delayed pending the receipt of the certificate of his attendance at the Glasgow School of Pharmacy. I understand that the matter is now in order, and that a payment in respect of maintenance is being made to-day.
§ Mr. S. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Labour why the Grants promised to seven ex-Service forestry students in the University College of North Wales, at Bangor, are withheld; and if he is aware that five of these students have been at the college since January last, and that one has had to leave the university on account of the non-payment of the Grant due?
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§ Sir R. HORNEI am informed that, out of seven applications for training Grants from ex-Service forestry students at Bangor, six have been granted within the last month, and that payments on account have been made in each case. Further payments will be made in due course on receipt of the usual certificates of attendance from the university authorities. I regret to find that decisions in some of these cases have been delayed by causes which I have not yet had time to investigate; but directions have been given for the grants to be made retrospective to the commencement of training whenever this is possible under the Regulations. The seventh application was only put in on the 4th November. In this case a decision had to be postponed for certain supplementary information; but it will be finally dealt with at an early date. I am not aware that any of the seven men has had to leave the university on account of non-payment of a grant, but if the hon. Member will give me particulars I will make inquiries.