§ 17. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour if it has now been decided to close the Government Instructional Factory at Spring Bank, Hull, and to transfer the trainees to the factory at Leeds; if the Hull establishment is better equipped, and managed on more economical lines, than that at Leeds; whether it was the original intention to close the factories at Leeds and Sheffield, but not Hull; what has been the cause of the alteration in policy in this respect; and if he will consent to receive a deputation on the subject before finally taking action?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)It has been decided, after very careful consideration, to close the Government Instructional Factory at Hull next month, but this decision will in no way prejudice the prospects of the men now awaiting training in Hull and the surrounding district. It may be possible to arrange for two classes to be retained at Hull, and training facilities will also be available at Leeds, Keighley, Beverley and Birtley. It is not the case that the Hull establishment is better equipped or more economically managed than that at Leeds. I will see a deputation of course. But I doubt whether they will be able to convince me that I ought to keep this factory going.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman see that it is very hard luck on ex-service men in Hull to have to travel to Leeds for their classes, especially when married; does he not realise that Hull is the centre of a great area cut off from Leeds and the West Riding: and ought it not to be 2056 retained for the benefit of ex-service men already there?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe importance of Hull is not likely to be lost sight of. I have 250 places with considerable overhead charges and I have got 65 men there. Therefore I am distributing them in surrounding establishments. They will get travelling allowance. There are 500 on the waiting list in and about Hull. If the local technical committees would pass enough I would consider keeping the factory going.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Leeds there is nothing like the accommodation provided in Hull, and that there is also a great waiting list in Leeds? Why should not Leeds men come to Hull?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is a question which was considered very carefully, and, after great consideration, it was given in favour of Leeds.
§ Captain O'GRADYIs there any truth contained in the question that it is more economical at Hull than at Leeds?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is not the case.