§ 2. Mr. ERNEST EVANSasked the Minister of Labour how many education authorities have submitted proposals for the provision of instruction for unemployed girls and boys, respectively; how many centres are now in operation; how many of such centres in operation are situated in South Wales, Scotland, Durham, and Cumberland, respectively; how many boys and girls, respectively, are in attendance at such centres; and what is the percentage of those attending of the total number of boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 years?
Mr. STANLEYAs the answer is rather long and contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ Up to 4th December, 51 education authorities had submitted proposals for the provision of junior instruction centres and classes for unemployed boys, and 46 authorities had submitted proposals for junior instruction centres and classes for unemployed girls; 63 authorities have submitted proposals for the admission of unemployed juveniles to existing educational institutions; 123 junior instruction centres and classes are now in operation, 21 in South Wales, 19 in Scotland, 13 in Durham and none in Cumberland. The average attendance at junior instruction centres and classes for the week ending 21st November, 1934, was 13,945 boys and 4,757 girls. I regret that the statistics necessary to answer the last part of the hon. Member's question are not available. I should add that I am in active consultation with all the authorities concerned in the outstanding cases and that I am satisfied that in general a determined effort is being made to put the scheme into early and effective operation.
§ 3. Mr. EVANSasked the Minister of Labour how many full-time teachers are employed in juvenile instruction centres and whether, in the selection of teachers in such centres, consideration is given to teachers who are university 1796 graduates or teachers who have recently left training colleges and who are without employment?
Mr. STANLEYI regret that statistics of the staff employed in junior instruction centres are not available. The selection of staff for junior instruction centres is a matter for the education authority conducting the centre. I have no reason to doubt that they give all proper consideration to any applications they receive for posts in the centres from university graduates and teachers who have recently left training colleges, but my hon. Friend will realise I am sure that these particular posts frequently require teachers with some experience.