§ 1. Major Lyonsasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the urgent need, present and prospective, for training more and more mechanics, he will consider selecting suitable lads from the young soldiers' battalions, and sending them in batches under one of their own officers, on a two months' intensive course in those works engaged in making armoured cars, trucks or tanks?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Sandys)This proposal has already been considered, but has been rejected for a number of reasons. First, works cannot provide such courses without loss of production; secondly, the 1782 technique of manufacture is quite different from that of maintenance; and, thirdly, the existing training facilities are sufficient to supply the Army's present needs.
§ Major LyonsWill my hon. Friend consider some scheme whereby suitable young persons in these units may get some training, so as to be able to take up the necessary work in connection with mechanisation?
§ Mr. SandysThey do get training already. Those who are suitable are sent to Ministry of Labour or technical college training centres.