§ 1. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the present position of the training centre at Chisledon; how many men are now being trained there; and whether it will he available for training intending migrants in the event of the revival of schemes of Empire settlement?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)The Army Vocational Training Centre, Chisledon, continues to train selected soldiers with a view to enhancing their prospects of obtaining civilian employment on discharge or transfer to the Army Reserve. On 20th February, 1932, 442 soldiers were being trained at this centre. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEMay I ask whether many of the trainees find employment on leaving?
§ Mr. COOPERYes, Sir, a very large proportion do.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the Minister tell us in what trades or industries they have found employment?
§ Mr. COOPERI think there are 35 different trades which are taught at these centres. If the hon. Member wishes it, I can send him a list of the cases in which employment has been obtained, and the various trades in which the men have been most successful in finding employment.