65. Captain EVANSalso asked the Minister of Labour how many trainees are now being instructed in Government instructional factories; how many ex-service men in all have been trained up to date; how many are there for whom improver ships have not yet been found; and how many refresher courses are now in operation?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe number of trainees now in Government instructional factories in Great Britain and Ireland is approximately 3,200. The total number of ex-service men who have been trained under the industrial training scheme up to date is approximately 90,000; the number of men awaiting improverships is approximately 2,500: the number of men now receiving refresher courses is 46.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAll these centres are gradually being closed, without necessarily consideration for the particular locality, though some extra. consideration is paid to feelings of nationality in these cases. The chief reason why they are being gradually closed is that the number of trainees has decreased and there is no reason, economically. to retain the centres in the public interest.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSWhen these places are closed down do you remove the trainees from Wales to England? Why not change about and move them from England to Wales?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am perfectly impartial as between England and Wales, and am merely looking to what is economically the better for the two countries.