HC Deb 24 June 1943 vol 390 c1285
14. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Labour how many training centres for ex-Service men are now in operation and how many men are at present undergoing training?

Mr. Bevin

Ex-Service men are accepted for training at all the Ministry's establishments which cater for civilians. No separate figures are available of the numbers of ex-Service men at present in training in these establishments.

Sir I. Albery

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say how many establishments there are at present?

Mr. Bevin

Yes; we are providing training for civilians at the moment at 21 Government training centres. There are two others which are allocated exclusively for the Forces, 49 technical colleges, 14 industrial establishments under arrangements made under what is known as "scheme M," and two residential establishments at St. Loyes and Leatherhead.

Sir I. Albery

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give any idea of the approximate number of men being trained?

Mr. Bevin

I have not got it; I will try to get it.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Is there not waste of money in training these men, as these schemes interfere in many instances with the relaxation agreement?

Mr. Bevin

I do not agree with my hon. Friend. I do not think they interfere with it a bit.