HC Deb 20 March 1930 vol 236 cc2069-70
10. Mr. HARRIS

asked the Minister of Labour how many training centres have been established in the county of London for unemployed insured juveniles; where are they located; what is the average attendance at them since January last; and whether she is satisfied that the centres are within reasonable distance of those required to attend?

Miss BONDFIELD

There are two Junior Instruction Centres for unemployed boys and girls in the county of London. These centres are conducted by the London County Council in conjunction with day continuation schools at Turin Street, Bethnal Green Road, and at Herold's Institution, Bermondsey. The average daily attendance since the centres opened on 6th January has been 222 boys and 126 girls. Only those juveniles who live within a reasonable distance of these centres are required to attend. Fares are paid in certain cases.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Lady aware that some of the young persons in the technical institute have to come from as far away as St. Pancras—this is rather a long way—and will she try to see if one or two more centres can be opened?

Mr. BROCKWAY

Is the curriculum of these training centres preliminary, or is it in a completed stage?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am afraid that I do not quite understand what the hon. Member means. The curriculum is organised by the education authority of the London County Council.

Mr. HARRIS

Is not the Turin Street centre a great success, and greatly appreciated by those in training?

Miss BONDFIELD

I understand that both are.

21. Mr. HARRIS

asked the Minister of Labour whether there are any areas in the country where there are a considerable number of unemployed juveniles where there are no facilities in the way of training centres; if so, how many; and where are they located?

Miss BONDFIELD

In 48 areas, a list of which I am sending to the hon. Member, junior instruction centres or classes are being maintained by the education authorities with the assistance of an Exchequer grant. These include most of the distressed mining areas and certain other areas in which unemployment among juveniles is both considerable and prolonged. As regards other areas, the Ministry is in negotiation with the local education authorities, whose co-operation, as the hon. Member knows, is essential. Owing to the way in which in many cases the figures vary within short periods, I cannot very well state how many areas are concerned, but I can assure the hon. Member that the matter is being actively pursued, in consultation with the National Advisory Councils for Juvenile Employment.