HC Deb 07 October 1931 vol 257 cc1087-8
38. Mr. OLIVER BALDWIN

asked the Minister of Labour for what reasons it has been decided to close down the national factory training centre at Dudley?

Sir H. BETTERTON

For reasons explained in the reply to the hon. Member for Bristol West (Mr. Culverwell) on 28th September, it has been decided that it is necessary to close certain training and transfer instruction centres. Among the reasons why the Dudley Centre was selected as one of the centres to be closed for the time being, was the fact that it has been particularly difficult to find employment for the men in this area, and there is a training centre at Birmingham which will remain open. Moreover, the buildings at Dudley are Government property and this may make it easier to retain the accommodation in readiness for re-opening later, should circumstances become more favourable.

Mr. DAY

How many centres have been closed down?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That does not arise out of the answer, and I must ask the hon. Gentleman to put it down.

Mr. MUGGERIDGE

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether this centre has been closed down by the National Government because it is a national factory?