§ 7. Mr. HOHLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give facilities for teaching trades to disabled sailors and soldiers in the dockyard workshops in cases in which the dockyards are a convenient centre for these men?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)At some dockyards arrangements have been made for the definite training of disabled sailors and soldiers in particular classes of work; and it is being considered whether arrangements of this kind can be more extensively applied, in conjunction with the schemes of the trade advisory committee.
At all dockyards opportunities are afforded, as far as possible, for disabled men entered as labourers to qualify for the rating of skilled labourer.
As a matter of interest, I may say that since the beginning of the War over 1434 4,000 men who have been discharged from the military forces have been entered in His Majesty's dockyards, and have been directly placed on remunerative work.
§ Mr. HOHLERWhen will the official consideration and decision be given to the point of my question, the training of disabled sailors and soldiers in the yards, not the question of how many you employ, important as it is?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy answer covered more than the numbers employed. Certainly I will make that representation to the trade advisory committee.
Mr. TYSON WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman, in connection with any scheme of this kind, consult the workpeople?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot imagine that this is done except with their consent.
§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the convenience of this centre for the training of these men, and will he take advantage of it?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is a matter, however it may be, for the trade advisory committee.