HC Deb 27 October 1920 vol 133 cc1724-5
34. Colonel BURN

asked the Minister of Labour if premises which were formerly a café were taken in St. Martin's Lane, Exeter, as a training centre for disabled ex-service men desirous of instruction in watch and clock repairing; what rent is being paid for these premises; and were they taken by the advice of the Technical Advisory Committee?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The premises referred to by my hon. and galland Friend appear to be those known as Deller's Old Café, Exeter. They were taken as a centre for training disabled men in the watch and clock and certain other trades. The rent payable is £450 a year. They were approved by the Local Technical Advisory Committee as suitable for training in the watch and clock repairing trades.

Colonel BURN

Was it necessary to pay such a big rent, and could not other suitable quarters have been found for much less?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The premises were approved by the T.A.C., and the rent was only arrived at after protracted negotiations.

Mr. TYSON WILSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many men are in training?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, but I will let ray hon. Friend know. I have not got the precise figures by me.