HC Deb 16 March 1939 vol 345 cc574-5
29. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men now at Glenbranter training camp; and the number engaged on road work?

Mr. E. Brown

There are 122 men at present in training at Glenbranter, of whom 65 are engaged in quarrying and road work on forestry land.

Mr. Davidson

Does not the Minister consider that the number of men employed on this job is rather high; and will he take steps to see to it that a higher technical training is given to more of these men?

Mr. Brown

I do not think so. If the hon. Member has any cause to think that that is the case, perhaps he will let me know, and I will look into it.

30. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour how often per week trainees at Glenbranter camp receive facilities to visit the nearest town of Dunoon?

Mr. Brown

I am making arrangements which I hope will shortly result in special transport being available for this purpose.

Mr. Davidson

Was the lack of facilities due to lack of transport; and does the Minister's reply mean that increased transport will be provided?

Mr. Brown

The answer is that the experiment was made in other centres of providing special lorries, and it so happened that when that experiment was made Glenbranter was closed, so that it did not apply there. I have been impressed by the good results of that experiment, and it may be tried elsewhere.

Mr. Davidson

Will that be soon?

Mr. Brown

I hope so.

31. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the sanitary arrangements at Glenbranter camp; and whether such arrangements include dry or wet carriage lavatories?

Mr. Brown

The sanitary system at Glenbranter is the same as that at other instructional centres, namely, dry bucket latrines. There have been no complaints about this system at this or any other centre, and I have no reason to suppose that it is other than satisfactory.

Mr. Davidson

Does not the Minister think that, in the year 1939, in a Government camp of this kind, dry carriage is a complete disgrace?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir; any hon. Member who served in the last War will know that it is not.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that these men are attending this camp for instruction, and not for war purposes?

Mr. Brown

That may be.

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