HC Deb 14 May 1946 vol 422 cc170-1W
88. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that men retained in Java and other theatres, where no training courses are available for postwar resettlement, will not thereby be disqualified from obtaining these courses before release; and if he will consider arranging for any man who has served for more than six months in an operational area to be entitled to at least two months on a full time educational course before leaving the Army.

Mr. Bellenger:

Training for resettlement in civil life is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, which provides courses, or grants for further education, for men and women, who fulfil certain specified conditions, after their release. The fact that soldiers are serving in an operational theatre does not in any way prevent their being considered for these courses or grants. Among the facilities provided under the Army Education Scheme are one-month residential courses for suitable personnel at Formation Colleges which have been established in the major Commands at home and overseas. Arrangements have recently been made by which officers and other ranks serving overseas who have not been able to attend Formation Colleges before their release may be allowed to attend a Formation College in the United Kingdom during Class A release leave, if the appropriate course is available.