§ Dr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Crown Colony governments, especially in the West Indies, have been specifically instructed to prepare schemes for the training, employment, or land settlement of local ex-Servicemen returning to their respective colonies on demobilisation; and whether any government papers are available indicating the plans already made and schemes set up.
§ Mr. Georǵe Hall:The reply is in the affirmative. The problems arising in connection with the reabsorption of Servicemen into civil life on demobilisation were brought to the notice of all colonial governments, including the governments of the West Indian colonies, in July, 1943 125W and they were instructed to prepare schemes according to local circumstances for training, employment and, where suitable, land settlement. These matters have since been actively pursued and Colonial governments have been informed from time to time of the arrangements made to deal with the similar problems in this country. Most Colonial governments have prepared booklets, a copy of which is given to every man prior to, or on demobilisation, describing the facilities open to him, and the steps which should be taken by demobilised personnel who seek to take advantage of them. I am sending my hon. Friend a selection of these booklets, which I have been able to obtain from a number of Colonies, and I shall be glad to obtain any further information regarding particular Colonies which may be desired.