§ 4. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of the large number of firms who have either failed to reply to, or answered in the negative, the questionnaire sent them by the Commissioner for the Special Areas, the importance attached by the Government to the co-operation of industry in restoring prosperity to these areas, and the regret felt at the poor response to the questionnaire?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThis subject was mentioned by several speakers in the Debate on 2nd March, and I think the views of the Government both as to the importance of co-operation with the Commissioner and as to the failure of a number of firms to reply to his letter were sufficiently expressed on that occasion.
§ 5. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Minister of Labour whether steps are being taken to comply with the recom- 2283 mendation of the Commissioner for the Special Areas that employment for men aged between 18 and 21 who have completed a course at an instructional centre should be provided by means of national works such as the construction of arterial roads, etc.?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADMy right hon. Friend fully agrees with the Commissioner as to the desirability of taking any steps that may be practicable to find employment for these young men, and special consideration is being given to the matter.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSWhen are we likely to hear what steps the Minister will take?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend any particular date.
§ 6. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Minister of Labour whether the recommendation of the Commissioner for the Special Areas that simple medical treatment should be given to boys and young men who are prevented from benefiting by training schemes on medical grounds is being complied with; and, if not, will he assure the House that a decision in regard to this matter will be announced shortly?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADEducation authorities in England and Wales have power to provide medical treatment for juveniles attending the junior instruction centres conducted by them, and it is my right hon. Friend's policy to encourage authorities to make this provision. As regards young men my right hon. Friend is considering with the Departments concerned the medical services already available and the extent, if any, to which it may be necessary to supplement them in the Special Areas to fit young men for training. I hope that it will be possible to reach a decision shortly.
Miss WARDIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the consideration of this matter has been going on a very long time, and does he not think it is urgent that we should have a reply as soon as possible?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI realise that it has been going on for a considerable time, but no avoidable delay is being incurred.