HC Deb 09 March 1933 vol 275 cc1319-20
3. Colonel CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the setting up of a residential instructional centre for Northumberland?

Sir H. BETTERTON

A residential instructional centre, to accommodate 200 men, will shortly be established on the Kielder Estate, Northumberland. The centre will be open to suitable unemployed men in the depressed areas of the North-East Coast who desire to avail themselves of the opportunity for training and reconditioning. The men will be engaged mainly on work for the Forestry Commission.

Colonel BROWN

How long will these courses last, and when will work start?

Sir H. BETTERTON

It will be open quite soon, but I cannot give a precise date. The length of the course will be 12 weeks.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that there are over 200 men highly skilled in afforestation unemployed?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I will take that from the hon. Member.