HC Deb 16 November 1944 vol 404 cc2120-1
59. Mr. Chater

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can make any statement on the Government's intentions as to training schemes for ex-Servicemen desiring to enter the various branches of agriculture.

Mr. Hudson

As regards training for technical and professional posts connected with the various branches of agriculture, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 28th September to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser). Training for practical work on the land will be provided by my Department in accordance with the announcement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service on 6th April last. A scheme is now in active preparation. With the hon. Member's permission I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement containing an outline of the scheme.

Mr. Loftus

Is my right hon. Friend considering the use of redundant aerodromes as training centres for this purpose after the war?

Mr. Hudson

Proposals for the use of aerodromes concern a number of Ministers and are under consideration.

Following is the statement:

As part of the Government's general scheme of vocational training for men and women released from war service who need such training for their re-settlement, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is arranging to provide practical training in England and Wales. It is estimated a considerable number of new entrants will be needed in the first few years after the war for permanent employment in the industry.

The following will be the main features of the scheme, details of which are now being worked out in consultation with the farmers' and workers' unions:

  1. 1. The scheme will be operated by the County War Agricultural Executive Committees, who will be responsible for selecting the men and women suitable for training from amongst applicants whose war service renders them eligible.
  2. 2. Successful applicants without previous agricultural experience will be placed on carefully chosen farms, market gardens or similar establishments for up to twelve months' practical training. They will be Government trainees, not paid workers, and will receive standard maintenance allowances (including dependants' allowances) from the State during the period of training. Employers providing training will be required to make a contribution to the State for the value of trainees' services in accordance with a scale to be agreed with the industry. Trainees will be accommodated on farms or in lodgings or hostels near their places of training. Provision will be made so far as possible for the wives of married trainees to be lodged with their husbands.
  3. 3. Suitable applicants with agricultural experience who wish to qualify as foremen, bailiffs, farm managers and the like will be given one-year courses of the farm institute type. A number of temporary training centres will be set up for the purpose.

Early provision is being made for disabled persons.

No special training arrangements for intending smallholders are contemplated. It is considered that all who hope to make a livelihood on the land and have no previous experience should be given training designed to equip them as ordinary farm or market garden workers.

When full details of the scheme have been settled an announcement will be made in the Press and leaflets will be prepared for issue to interested persons. Intending applicants need take no action at present.