HC Deb 16 February 1939 vol 343 cc1870-1
4. Major Procter

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Lancashire numbers of engineers are now un- employed because they lack the necessary training in precision work; and whether arrangements will be made for such training to be given in order that unemployed engineers may qualify for highly skilled armament work?

Mr. E. Brown

Facilities such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests are already available at the Ministry's training centres, but hitherto little advantage has been taken of them by men of the type to which he refers. If my hon. and gallant Friend wishes it, I will gladly send him particulars.

Major Procter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible for engineers in Accrington to make those journeys, seeing that some of them are working part time, and the evening is the only possible time when they can attend those classes; and, further, such classes are for the semi-skilled and not for the skilled whom I mention in my question?

Mr. Brown

That is a very different subject, and requires very different arrangements.

Mr. Watkins

Have adequate steps been taken to bring these facilities to the notice of people who might benefit?

Mr. Brown

Some time ago I pointed them out to the Amalgamated Engineers' Union in connection with the problem of the elderly men, and I promised them that if men who have been a long time unemployed would benefit by a refresher course, we would gladly give them facilities, although we do not normally take into these centres men above 35 years of age.