§ 29. Mr. LUMLEYasked the Minister of Labour how many schemes are now in operation for the training of farm workers; and whether the establishment of further schemes has been decided upon?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDTwo centres have been established by the 1992 Ministry of Labour where men are given training in farm work, with a view to employment overseas. The Army Vocational Centre at Catterick includes a similar course for serving soldiers, and there are one or two training centres conducted by voluntary organisations. I cannot say whether it will be possible to increase the Government training facilities.
§ Mr. LAWSONAre there any consultations going on between the Ministry of Labour and the Army?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI think they are in touch generally with one another.
§ 31. Mr. LUMLEYasked the Minister of Labour how many persons have been trained under his farm-training schemes; how many are now under instruction; and how many have been placed on the land in this country or in the Dominions?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe scheme of training in farm work is conducted with a view to fitting men for employment on the land in an oversea Dominion. 346 men have completed a course of training in farm work; of this number 335 have been placed on farms overseas, five are awaiting embarkation, and six failed to embark after completing training. 255 men are now in training; of this number 114 are due to sail for Canada on 18th March.
§ Mr. SKELTONAre we to understand that men intended for settlement on the land in this country have no opportunity under these schemes of receiving training?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThey are primarily intended for land settlement in the Dominions.
§ Mr. SKELTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman keep in touch with the Minister of Agriculture, so that men intended for land settlement in this country may have preliminary training?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThat is another question.
§ Mr. R. HUDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman considering an extension of this very successful system?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MA1TLANDThat is a question of finance—what it will cost.
§ Captain GUNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress of these schemes?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDYes; I think they have justified themselves completely.