§ 20. Mr. VIANTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the trainees undergoing a course of training in painting at the Wallsend centre are being employed on the renovation of the exterior of a church in Park Road, Wall-send; and if, in view of the number of craftsmen who are out of employment in the area, he will state on what grounds these trainees are employed on work of a public character; and whether these trainees are loaned out to public contractors and on what terms?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDSome of the trainees at Wallsend have been engaged on a small amount of outside painting work at the Congregational 1206 Church, Park Road, Wallsend. It has been found that the training is made more effective if trainees can be given some practical work. They are not loaned out to public contractors, but a limited number of small contracts, such as that mentioned in the question, have been taken by the training centre to give the trainees a little practical work.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have not the terms and conditions, but if there be any point about which the hon. Member desires to have information, I will make inquiries.