Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER CLAYasked the Minister of Labour (1) in how many cases have grants for training and maintenance of ex-officers and other ranks been actually authorised and paid; and whether applicants have been compelled to wait many months before their case is finally settled; and (2) whether, owing to the uncertainty which exists, applicants for grants of fees for maintenance can be definitely informed within a reasonable time if their application will be favourably considered by the Ministry; and what sum has actually been allotted for this purpose yearly?
656W
§ Sir R. HORNEThe number of grants actually authorised by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour for training is 803. Payment has been made in seventy-six cases, but I should explain in this connection that the first payment is ordinarily not made till the end of the first month's training. I am aware that there has been considerable delay in deciding upon applications for grants. I much regret this delay, which is due in part to an accumulation of applications lodged before the machinery for dealing with them could be instituted; and I am making arrangements which will, I hope, materially expedite matters in future. The total amount provided by Parliament for the training grants administered by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour in the current financial year is £1,000,000.