HC Deb 18 March 1920 vol 126 cc2422-3W
Mr. SITCH

asked the Minister of Labour whether it has been laid down that the Civil Liabilities Committee have no power to make grants to ex-service men who have received a course of training at the public expense; and the rule or regulation which prohibits the Committee from considering such applications?

Sir R. HORNE

It is the fact that under the rules governing the administration of the Civil Liabilities Fund, the Department are precluded, with certain limited exceptions, from making grants to ex-service men who have been trained at the public expense, in connection with the occupation for which they have been trained. I have previously explained, in answer to similar questions asked in this House, that lump sum grants are primarily intended to assist men to re-establish businesses which they have lost owing to being called to serve in the Forces. In the case of a man undertaking a course of training, it must be presumed that it is in an occupation which he did not previously carry on, and which he intends to enter as an employee.

Mr. ALLEN PARKINSON

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the great delay which is taking place in the settlement by the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee of applications for grants for resettlement by disabled men; is he aware that the Wigan Committee complain that the delay is inimical to the work of the Pensions Committee, as it causes profound dissatisfaction, and, in many cases, the disabled man's opportunity to earn his living is lost owing to non-settlement; and that, after thorough investigation by the local committee and recommendations made by them to the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee, several months elapse before a settlement is reached?

Sir R HORNE

I have recently received a resolution from the Wigan War Pensions Committee, dealing with the points raised in the hon. Member's question. I am inviting the Committee to visit the Department to discuss the questions at issue, and I should be happy if the hon. Member would care to accompany the Committee when a date has been fixed.