§ Mr. Murrayasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private G. T. Hall, T/245854, 14th Company, R.A.S.C, Army Transport Company, C.M.F., left England in June, 1941, and is still awaiting Python leave; and if he will look into this case and arrange for this man to return at once since he has been four years and three months away from home without any leave.
§ Mr. LawsonPrivate Hall arrived in the United Kingdom early in September and has just completed his disembarkation leave.
§ Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for War whether men in depots repatriated 49W under the Python scheme and awaiting demobilisation receive training for civilian employment; or for what purpose are they being used during this intervening period.
§ Mr. LawsonGenerally speaking, vocational training is provided by the Ministry of Labour and National Service after release from the Forces. A limited amount is carried out in the Army, where practicable, in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, but the Army Education Scheme is primarily concerned with general and pre-vocational training. Python personnel awaiting release are posted to normal duties where there is sufficient time to make this worth while. A large number are in holding units, however, and are made available for assistance to agriculture and industry when required for work of national importance. No restrictions have been imposed regarding the time spent on educational training, which is limited only by the facilites and instructors available.