§ Mr. Aylesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that persons who have suffered interruption in the following of their occupation through some form of war service are ineligible for agricultural training under the scheme announced on 5th June, 1945, by reason only of the fact that they can return to 2172W a former occupation; and whether he will review this position in order to encourage people to take up agricultural careers.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe general conditions of eligibility for agricultural training under the Government's Vocational Training Scheme for men and women released from war service are the same as for all other kinds of training provided under that Scheme. The relaxation of the conditions in favour of applicants for agricultural training is not considered practicable, as any such concession would inevitably lead to demands for similar treatment for persons desiring to train for other occupations. I am glad to say, however, that the Ministry of Labour and National Service, which is the Department responsible for determining eligibility in individual cases, applies a liberal standard in considering applications from persons wishing to take up agricultural training.