HC Deb 01 March 1932 vol 262 cc942-3
39. Mr. A. SOMERVILLE

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present position of the training centres of Claydon and Brandon; and whether they will be available for intending migrants if there should be a revival of schemes of Empire settlement?

Sir H. BETTERTON

These centres are being used in part for home-training courses, and otherwise are being maintained on a care and maintenance basis. They could readily be made available for intending migrants should the need arise.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Can my right hon. Friend say how many trainees there are at Brandon, and whether there is any intention of closing that centre?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That, of course, is a different question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

Mr. LAWSON

May we take it that there is no truth in the report that part of this land is to be sold?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Not that I am aware of.

40. Mr. T. COOK

asked the Minister of Labour the date of erection of the training camp at Swanton Novers, Norfolk; the total cost; the date upon which it became unoccupied for training purposes; the number of men trained; the percentage emigrated; and the cost of caretaking since it became unoccupied?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The camp at Swanton Novers was erected in January and February, 1929, at a cost of £12,518 in order to meet a requisition from the Canadian Government for trained men. It was closed in June, 1929, because the requisition was reduced. The effective out-turn was 472 men, of whom 292 sailed on completion of their course, and 180 were transferred to other centres for the completion of their training. The percentage of the total who eventually migrated was 85. The cost of caretaking since June, 1929, has been approximately £650.

Mr. COOK

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would be in the interest of economy if this building was either utilised or disposed of?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That question has been very carefully considered, and for the moment I am satisfied that it would he better to keep it on a care-and-maintenance basis rather than dispose of it at what must necessarily be a very heavy sacrifice.