§ 30. Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Labour the nature of any complaints she has received from trade unions concerning the Ministry's training centres, with special reference to any effect upon trade union conditions of employment?
§ Miss BONDFIELDA few trade unions have represented that in the present state of trade the training of men in certain occupations is inimical to the interests of their members. I am watching the position closely, but am satisfied that there is no substantial ground for these apprehensions.
§ Mr. ALBERYMay I ask whether, as a result, there is any change in the policy of the Government, and whether that accounts for the trivial increase in the number of persons receiving training?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am afraid I did not hear the first part of the question.
§ Mr. ALBERYCan the right hon. Lady account for the trivial increase which has taken place in the number of persons 2092 receiving training? Is it accounted for by the representations she has received from trade unions?
§ Miss BONDFIELDIt is not, and I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's premises.
§ Mr. ALBERYDoes the right hon. Lady remember stating that there was an increase of only about 500 men and women?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI said at the same time, or, at least, this is a very obvious explanation, that we are very carefully regulating the entries into the training centres by a consideration of the places we can get for the men after they have been placed; and quite obviously, from the figures of unemployment, it is becoming more and more difficult to find places.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not the right hon. Lady think it would be better to train them even if they did not get jobs?