§ 64. Major COLFOXasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. A. Allen underwent a course of instruction for ex-service men at the Hounslow school; that he was passed out of the school as a competent plumber; that he applied for a situation with Messrs. Grants, Limited, of King's Norton, but was told that as he was a, non-union man all the trade unionists would down tools; and that it is impossible for this man to become a trade unionist of the class to which his skill entitles him, and is, therefore, unable to obtain employment; and whether the Government intend to take any steps to stop this condition of affairs and enable such ex-service workmen to obtain a living?
§ Mr. JAMES STEWART (for Mr. Shaw)My right hon. Friend understands that Mr. A. Allen, while a serving soldier, received six months' training in the plumbing class at the Hounslow Army Vocational Training Centre. He is informed by Messrs. Grants that the reason why they were unable to engage him was that they were not able to regard him as a skilled man, and that he was too old to be engaged as a plumber's mate.
§ Major COLFOXCan the Minister say why the reason given to Mr. Allen was that he was a non-unionist?
§ Mr. STEWARTI cannot answer that question.
§ Major COLFOXCan the hon. Gentleman further say what hope there is for an ex-service man of ever getting employment since he is precluded from being a union man? [MON. MEMBERS: "No, no.'"]
§ Mr. STEWARTThat is in the reply—
§ Major COLFOXQuite true, but—
§ Mr. STEWARTThe answer was—not because he was not a unionist, but because he was riot a skilled man, and, therefore, they could not employ him.
§ Major COLFOXWhat is the use of training men?