§ 23. Captain BOWYERasked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men are now undergoing training in Government instructional factories; how many are still waiting to begin their training; and how many are waiting for improverships to be found for them?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Montague Barlow)The number of men in training in Government Instructional Factories on 27th March, 1923, was about 8,600. In addition, about 7,850 men were in training in other centres and in employers' workshops. The number of men awaiting training at the same date was about 6,300 in Great Britain and 4,200 in Ireland. The number awaiting improverships was about 3,600. With regard to improverships, I may add that the recent commencement of improvement. in trade has been accompanied by an increase in the number of improvership vacancies filled.
§ Captain BOWYERThere are men that have been waiting for more than a year. Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a likelihood that they will not have to wait much longer?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI know that the waiting, that is inevitable in the matter of improverships, has been a very serious one, and I have latterly been giving all attention possible to it. I am glad to say that the canvassers who have been employed within the limits of bad trade have been successful in securing vacancies.