§ 23. Mr. VIANTasked the Minister of Labour the number of contracts for painting, bricklaying and carpentering that have been completed by training 0centres throughout the country, the number at present awaiting execution, and the comparative prices of such contracts as between competitive firms; and the wages paid and the hours worked by the trainees?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDTwenty-three contracts for painting, bricklaying and carpentering have been completed at instructional centres for young unemployed men, and 11 are at present in hand or awaiting execution—all for a total sum of £463 19s. 1d. I am unable to quote the comparative prices of such contracts as between competitive firms, but the prices charged by the centres are based upon current, market rates for similar work. The trainees, who perform the work upon these contracts as part of their training, normally work a 44-hour week. They are not paid wages.