HC Deb 24 July 1924 vol 176 cc1526-7W
Sir T. BRAMSDON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, in view of the conditions set forth in Admiralty Fleet Order, No. 1,861/1924, whereby it may not be possible on account of Fleet requirements for men to avail themselves of the vocational training institutions, he will consider the possibility of allowing men to be retained on full pay, less marriage allowance, for a period of three months after the date they complete time for pension with a view to their undergoing the vocational courses or, in cases where men obtained employment of a temporary nature, they may be permitted to take evening instruction during the period they are in work in the proximity of the ports?

Mr. AMMON

I am afraid the proposal in the first part of the question cannot be entertained. With regard to the second part of the question, men discharged to pension without vocational training, who have had no opportunity of taking vocational training courses during their last year of pensionable service, will be regarded as equally eligible for these courses with men who are within 12 months of completing time for pension, provided that they apply within a reasonable time after discharge to pension and on the clear understanding that no expense must fall on public funds except the usual proportion of the fees charged for the courses.