§ 75. Mr. NEWBOLDasked the Minister of Labour what are the reasons for terminating, before the time agreed upon with the trainees, the period of instruction irk watch and clock repairing of disabled ex-service men at the Government instructional factory, Bolton Road, Salford; and whether he can see his way clear to reconsider this matter, which is causing dissatisfaction amongst ex-service men so affected?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe original course of training in watch and clock repairing was for 12 months only, all of which was in a training centre. This was subsequently extended to 18 months in a training centre, but after some experience of the extended course it was decided in May, 1922, on the express recommendations of the National Trade Advisory Committee for the Gold, Silver and Allied Trades, that in the interests of the trainees themselves the final six months of the training period should in all cases be spent in an employer's workshop. In no case is the period of training with maintenance less than 18 months. In addition, the 12 months in a training centre may be extended up to a maximum of 15 months, if an improvership with maintenance is not immediately available.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of referring Question 75 to Moscow?