HC Deb 23 June 1936 vol 313 cc1593-4
56. Mr. CARTLAND

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether it is proposed to provide facilities for training in those branches of skilled labour essential for the fulfilment of the Government's armament construction programme?

Sir T. INSKIP

This matter can, in my judgment, best be handled by each industry in relation to its own circumstances and requirements, and I have no doubt that all steps which are practicable will be taken. A substantial increase is taking place in the number of apprentices engaged in the engineering trades. As stated in the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Labour to the hon. Member for Bosworth on 12th June (Sir W. Edge), the experiment of training some of the skilled engineers, in the depressed areas, who have been long unemployed, by "Refresher Courses" in order to refit them for employment, is being undertaken by the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. CROSSLEY

Would not the Government get on with their rearmament programme more quickly if they gave direct encouragement to industries to train more apprentices?

Sir T. INSKIP

I do not know what my hon. Friend has in mind, but a great deal of encouragement is being given to industries to train apprentices. If he will explain what he means by "direct," I may be able to help him.