HC Deb 05 May 1931 vol 252 cc177-9
1. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a demand for plasterers in the building trade; and whether specific plans are being considered under the Army vocational training scheme to give facilities for training men about to leave the Army so as to render them competent to fill the requirements of and obtain employment in the building trade?

2. Major DESPENCER-ROBERTSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a demand for tailors' cutters; and whether specific plans are being considered under the Army vocational training scheme to give facilities for training men about to leave the Army so as to render them competent to fill the requirements of and obtain employment in the tailoring trades?

3. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a demand for cooks and chefs at restaurants and hotels; and whether specific plans are being considered under the Army vocational training scheme to give special facilities for training men about to leave the Army so as to render them competent to fill the requirements of and obtain employment in the catering trades?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)

The trade of plastering is already taught at each of the three Army vocational training centres, and some 110 men are undergoing training in this trade at the present time. The question of affording facilities for training at the centres to soldiers as tailors' cutters, cooks and chefs is receiving consideration.

Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

The right hon. Gentleman has not replied to the first part of the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley (Mr. Campbell) as to whether he is aware that there is a demand for plasterers in the building trade? Is that a fact?

Mr. SHAW

I have replied to the questions in order to show that we are doing the work we are required to do.

Sir K. WOOD

The right hon. Gentleman has not understood my supplementary question. I ask him to reply to the first part of the question as to whether he is aware of a demand for plasterers in the building trade?

Mr. SHAW

I am aware that some people have said that there has been a demand, but the building trade workers say there has been a surplus.

Mr. HICKS

Is the Secretary of State for War aware that the plasterers have been increased in personnel during the last seven years by nearly 40 per cent., and that during 1930, the busiest month in the year for plasterers—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is giving information instead of asking for it.

Mr. THORNE

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that if anybody makes application to the Tailors' Cutters' Union they can supply him with any number of tailors' cutters?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another instance of an hon. Member giving information.

Mr. THORNE

I want to give some information.