§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state under what conditions serving men are permitted to undergo the vocational courses in small holding, pig rearing, chicken farming, etc.; if these men are required to pay any subscription towards the expenses of such training; the number of men now undergoing the courses; if when they are so trained they are given any assistance from public funds to start them in the business for which they were trained; and if there is any scheme in being or being proposed by which they will be able to emigrate to the colonies with reasonable hope of settlement and work in small holdings?
§ Mr. WALSHWith regard to the first two parts of the question, the complete conditions, as laid down in Army Council Instruction No. 94 of 1923, are rather too long to reprint, but I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this instruction. The courses, which are held at Catterick, are primarily intended for soldiers during the last six months of their colour service. All 1637W arms and ranks from warrant rank downwards are eligible and students are required to make weekly contributions varying from 4s. to 2s. 6d. according to rank. The number of men now undergoing courses in the subjects named is 61. Assistance from Army funds to start men in business is not given, but the men are eligible for the benefits of any settlement schemes under the Empire Settlement Act.