HC Deb 10 March 1926 vol 192 cc2278-9
57. Mr. SPOOR

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women who have passed through the training centres for unemployed women and how many of this number subsequently obtained permanent employment; whether any estimate has been made as to the consequent saving in unemployment insurance benefit; whether he is satisfied that the expenditure upon these training centres is justified by the results; and, if so, whether he has considered the advisability of developing the scheme?

Mr. BETTERTON

The number of women who have passed through the training centres for unemployed women is approximately 29,200. The available information indicates that a substantial proportion were absorbed into permanent employment, but I cannot give precise figures, nor can I estimate the saving in unemployment benefit attributable to the training scheme. I am satisfied that the results justify the expenditure which has been incurred, but I am afraid any further development of the scheme is at present out of the question.

Miss WILKINSON

May I ask the hon. Gentleman why, if he considers the results justify the expenditure, he is proposing almost to halve the expenditure?

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is one of the few schemes by which the Government are helping women in any way, before he considers cutting it down? Women feel very strongly about this.

Mr. BETTERTON

In answer to both these supplementary questions, I would say that there are many admirable schemes for which I should be very glad to see the amounts increased, if the money were forthcoming.

Viscountess ASTOR

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this is the only thing the Government are doing for women, and that it is a paying proposition?

Mr. BETTERTON

I cannot altogether agree with that. This is a scheme on which the results have justified the expenditure, but I am afraid that, under present conditions, there is no prospect of developing it?

Viscountess ASTOR

If the hon. Gentleman says I am wrong, will he tell me of another single thing which the Government are doing to assist women who are unemployed?