HC Deb 20 May 1942 vol 380 cc216-7
20. Mr. David Adams

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of their post-war employment, recruits, whenever practicable, are receiving periods of training at Government training centres.

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

Certain naval personnel receive technical instruction at Government training centres as part of their training for the Naval Service. It would not be practicable under war conditions to fit specific schemes of training for post-war employment into the naval curriculum, but there is no doubt that the training they receive will benefit many trainees when they return to civil life.

Mr. Adams

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in the mechanical age upon which we are entering, if such training can be given, it will be of benefit to the State and to these people?

Mr. Alexander

Certainly, and we shall do all we can to assist in this matter.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us how these men are to get employment after the war, in view of the existence of the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act?

Mr. Alexander

I do not think that point arises.