30. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the average cost per month of the training scheme for young women at Craibstone Farm, Aberdeen; and how many young women, as a result of the efficient course of training they have received during the progress of the scheme, have now developed into useful members of the agricultural community?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)The average cost per month of this course for 15 trainees is £101 7s. 6d. The number of women who have completed their training is 15, all of whom have been placed on farms, and there are a further 27 at present in training.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the most economical schemes, from the national point of view, the Government has ever embarked upon; and would it not be better to devote some of the money spent in reclothing the Army on a scheme such as this?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is a very good scheme.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman and Government reconsider the scheme, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman says this is a very good scheme?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is a very good scheme, and I will have the matter further considered; but the hon. Member must understand that I can give no assurance that it will be continued after 30th June.
§ Major MACKENZIE WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the agricultural community in the North-East of Scotland desire its continuance?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes; we have had representations in that sense.