§ Mr. GWYNNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether there is any scheme under which an ex-Service man can obtain a loan from the Civil Liabilities Commission to enable him to buy a business; and, if not, whether 230W he will consider the desirability of issuing loans where guarantees can be given for repayment?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe Civil Liabilities scheme provides grants to enable ex-Service men to meet certain contractual obligations and to restart businesses in cases of serious hardship arising out of services with His Majesty's forces. The question whether this assistance should be given by way of loan instead of, or in addition to, grants was carefully considered at the inception of the scheme. The conclusion reached was that grants were preferable to loans. This conclusion was adopted in the scheme and the experience of the-Department has not indicated that any alteration of the scheme on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary.