HC Deb 09 May 1923 vol 163 cc2331-2
25. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the need of obtaining additional skilled men in the building trade, and having regard to the numbers of ex-service men out of employment, he will consider as to re-starting the Ministry's abandoned scheme for training ex-service men as bricklayers and plasterers, and in other skilled branches of the building trade, so as to facilitate the building of houses and increasing general employment in the unskilled branches of the trade?

Sir M. BARLOW

There is no present intention, having regard to the existing circumstances, of re-starting the scheme referred to. I should like, however, to point out that the scheme for the training of disabled ex-service men in the building trade is still in operation. Under this scheme 4,417 disabled ex-service men have been trained for skilled trades and 1,197 are in training. About 1,000 men have finished their training at the Government instructional factories and centres, and are awaiting improverships.

Sir W. DAVISON

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain what he means by saying that there is no intention, having regard to existing circumstances, of re-starting this scheme? Is he not aware that, so far from unemployment being caused by the training of skilled men, it would be quite the contrary, and that more employment would be given?

Sir M. BARLOW

As I have already indicated, I am endeavouring at the moment to secure positions for 1,000 men who have been trained, and I find, I regret to say, great difficulty in doing so.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman fully explain the difficulties he has met with, so that we can assist him?

Sir M. BARLOW

I have a large number of trained canvassers going about the country, but I find that positions for improverships are not available.

33. Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

asked the Minister of Labour why the Ministry's scheme for the special training of ex-service men for work in the building trade was rendered inoperative, thereby causing the loss to the nation of the money which had been spent on these trainees?

Sir M. BARLOW

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 2nd May, a copy of which I am sending to him.

Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

Is it the case that most of the difficulties experienced in placing these trainees is found to be the obstructive attitude of the trade unions? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in numerous cases locally they come to me and point out this very serious matter?

Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGAN

Was not the hon. and gallant Member in the House just now when the Minister himself said that trainees could not be placed in improverships?

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not a fact that, when the Select Committee made their investigations, the ex-service men's representatives themselves said that there was absolutely no foundation for the statement that the men were hindered from that cause?

Sir M. BARLOW

I think it is impossible to generalise about this. The main ground for the difficulty in getting trained men placed is undoubtedly the stagnation in trade, but I should not be giving a quite fair statement if I did not admit at the same time that in a certain number of cases there has been some difficulty with regard to labour in the trades concerned.