HC Deb 18 July 1935 vol 304 cc1194-6
8. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Minister of Labour how many women are receiving instruction or training at centres under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour?

Mr. E. BROWN

On 29th June, 1935, there were 1,028 women and girls in attendance at domestic training centres conducted by the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment.

Mr. THORNE

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the instructors are men or women?

Viscountess ASTOR

Is the Minister satisfied that these girls are being trained in sufficient numbers; and can he see his way to increase the number of centres?

Mr. BROWN

There has been an increase of five in the number of centres in the last month.

Mr. THORNE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman once more whether he can say whether the instructors are men or women?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I will give him a definite answer.

Mr. THORNE

Surely you must know that.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the Minister tell us what these women are being trained to do at these centres? In what useful occupation are they being trained?

Mr. BROWN

Domestic training.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Domestic service; servants for the rich.

Viscountess ASTOR

And members of the Labour party.

10. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour how many trainees have passed through Government training centres during the first half of the present year, men and women; and how many of each sex have been placed in employment?

Mr. BROWN

4,381 men were admitted to Government training centres during the six months ended 24th June, 1935; 3,466 completed a course, and of these 3,362 (or 97 per cent.) were placed in or found employment. At the domestic training centres conducted by the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment, 2,154 women and girls were admitted during the period, 1,867 completed a course, and, of these, 1,734 (or 93 per cent.) were placed in or found work in domestic service and allied occupations.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the Minister satisfied with the numbers that are being trained?

Mr. BROWN

I shall never be satisfied until we have done all we can to find every available man or woman work.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman turn back to his speeches in this House in 1929 and 1930?

11. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour how many juveniles are receiving instruction at juvenile training centres; and what is the estimated cost per trainee week for food, allowances, training, and other miscellaneous expenses?

Mr. E. BROWN

I am not certain to what centres the hon. Member refers, and should be obliged if he would communicate with me.