HC Deb 07 December 1927 vol 211 cc1372-3
40. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Labour if in the enlarged scheme of training steps will be taken to provide for the teaching of thatching, hurdle making, and other crafts of the countryside so that the trainees may be available for employment on the land here?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

From inquiries which have been made, I am advised that the prospects of absorption of men from the towns in this class of employment are not such as to justify training arrangements.

Mr. HURD

What steps has the right hon. Gentleman taken to find out the facts of the matter as regards rural areas?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

There have been two inquiries of the kind, and the results have been to show that the amount that could be earned by pursuing this course were not such that those who have been previously in the towns would be willing to migrate to rural districts to take them up.

Mr. HURD

Would it not also find employment for boys now in the rural areas who would othesrwise drift to the towns?