HC Deb 10 December 1936 vol 318 cc2142-3
4. Mr. W. JOSEPH STEWART

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken by his Department to find employment for men from the Special Areas who have satisfactorily completed a course at the instructional centre and are physically capable of work, seeing that in 1935 only 20 per cent. and this year about 40 per cent have been placed in employment?

Mr. E. BROWN

There has as the hon. Gentleman indicates been a welcome increase in the percentages of men placed after a course of training at instructional centres. I have good hopes that a further increase may result from certain developments which I am instituting to meet the greater opportunities now made available by the general improvement in the industrial situation. At the same time I am in consultation with some of my colleagues with a view to obtaining a full share of the employment on works under their control for men from the centres.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether at these instructional centres there are any courses of instruction in agriculture?

Mr. BROWN

An attempt was made to give agricultural training, but I regret to say that it was not wholly successful.