HC Deb 22 March 1920 vol 127 cc47-8
108. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider an Amendment to the regulations of the Civil Liabilities Commission so that disabled men who have capital and who have been trained by the State may be set up in business by an advance of money to buy materials, etc., where, owing to the nature of their disablement, it is difficult to find employment for them; or whether he will undertake that skilled employment shall be found for such men within a reasonable period of the conclusion of training?

Lieut.-Colonel GILMOUR

I should point out to the hon. and gallant Member that the Government Training Scheme is primarily intended to fit men for skilled employment. An applicant for training in an occupation presumably means to go into service in that occupation, or has prospects which induced him to take that form of training. What is done under the present scheme, as a supplement to the training allowances when the period of training is over, is to help in the provision of tools for the trained man, and that is done up to a limit of £10. I should add that at the end of the period of training the man also receives a sum representing an allowance of 5s. per week which is granted as a bonus for efficiency. Any Amendment to the Regulations of the Civil Liabilities Scheme as suggested would, I fear, involve increased expenditure, and I regret that I am not prepared to consider such an Amendment. As regards the latter part of the Question, I should state that local Technical Advisory Committees decide on the absorptive capacity of trades before admitting men to training, and every possible step is taken to find employment for trainees, but an absolute guarantee can in the nature of things not be given.

Colonel ASHLEY

May I ask whether, as there are a large number of these trained men who cannot find employment, it is any use training them unless they can be guaranteed employment afterwards? Is it not a waste of money?

Lieut.-Colonel GILMOUR

I will represent that view to the Department.

Mr. ROYCE

How long is a reasonable time to wait for a reply from his Department in the matter of training men?

Lieut.-Colonel GILMOUR

I will bring that to the notice of the Department.