§ 40. Major COHENasked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that there are at present 34,500 disabled men awaiting training; and whether the Government will state definitely what is their exact intention with regard to the future of these men?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)I have been asked to reply. The number of disabled men awaiting training is now about 26,000, many of whom are still under treatment and not yet ready for training. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that at a time 28 when large numbers of men in the trades concerned are already unemployed it is difficult to find additional vacancies. In each craft we work through Local Technical Advisory Committees, consisting equally of employers and workpeople, and they advise as to the numbers, having regard to the state of employment, which can safely be admitted to training with a reasonable prospect of obtaining employment when trained. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that every effort is being made to place these men in training at the earliest possible time.