HC Deb 24 June 1937 vol 325 cc1350-1
12. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Labour whether special steps are being taken to make up a shortage of voluntary recruiting for reconditioning centres; and whether he will state the nature of such special arrangements?

Mr. E. Brown

Arrangements have been made for the local officers of the Unemployment Assistance Board to interview applicants in receipt of unemployment assistance and to bring to their notice the facilities available in these centres. I am glad to be able to say that this is working satisfactorily and has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of recruits.

Mr. Lawson

Are all these recruits voluntary?

Mr. Brown

Certainly they are all voluntary. On 17th June the number of places available in instructional centres in summer camps was 4,880 and 4,341 had been filled.

Mr. Lawson

I take it there has not been any need to bring pressure to bear on any wholesale scale?

Mr. Brown

No, not at all. I am glad to say there is a much more favourable atmosphere with regard to these facilities than there used to be.