Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison:

asked the Minister of Labour whether persons who were conscientious objectors during the recent war are eligible for grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme.

If a man satisfies the normal conditions the fact that he was registered as a conscientious objector is not a disqualification under this scheme.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison:

Is the Minister aware that ex-Service men who have had their applications rejected feel very sore about this, and can he say how many conscientious objectors are getting financial assistance under this scheme?

I cannot understand the intention of the first part of the supplementary question. It may be that some ex-Service men have had their applications rejected because they did not fit in with the normal conditions of the scheme. They are being treated exactly on the same basis. We do not keep a list of who were or were not conscientious objectors when they make applications.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that every ex-Service man who applies for a grant is given a grant before any conscientious objector gets one?

I shall deal with this in accordance with the provisions contained in the scheme. If conscientious objectors apply and they are entitled to it, they will get it. That does not deprive any ex-Service man who is entitled to it from getting it also.