§ Lieutenant-Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Pensions Minister why there are only ninety officers now in training under the Pensions Warrant; how many officers are waiting training; and what steps are being taken to expedite their training?
§ Sir JAMES CRAIGI would remind the Noble Lord that training can only be given under certain specific conditions, one of which is that the officer will be unable968W through his disability to resume his former studies or employment. The training must also afford a prospect of settled occupation, and the officer must be fit enough to undertake it. Since the beginning of January, thirty-five cases have been approved, and the number of officers now in training is upwards of 100. Some 100 other cases are now under consideration, and their claims will be decided as soon as the necessary investigations are completed. I may add that the scheme approved by the Government for the training of officers and men of good educational promise, which will include disabled as well as fit, will afford further opportunities of training under less restricted conditions, and this scheme is being actively organised by the Appointments Departments, the Board of Education, and the Board of Agriculture.