HC Deb 16 April 1946 vol 421 cc2499-501
32 and 39. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether since shortage of accommodation is part of the cause of the inadequacy of the Government training scheme for ex-Servicemen and women, he is satisfied that he has now earmarked sufficient accommodation for the planned expansion of training centres and colleges; how far such accommodation is immediately available; and what steps he is taking to obtain suitable accommodation without delay;

(2) how many Government training centres and technical colleges, shown separately, it is planned to have operating by 30th June and 31st December, 1946, respectively; and what is the total planned capacity of all centres and colleges that will be operating on these dates.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

Training facilities are being extended as rapidly as possible. Since VJ-Day the number of centres has been increased from 18 to 39 and by 30th June 56 centres with 19,940 training places should be in operation. By 31st December next 69 centres with 25,488 places are contemplated. Similar figures cannot be given for technical colleges but their facilities will continue to be used to the maximum extent possible.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware that, apart from nearly 15,000 ex-Servicemen on the waiting list hoping to go to these centres and colleges last month, thousands of officers would have applied if they had seen any signs of efficiency in the way the Government are running the scheme?

Mr. Isaacs

My source of information as to those who would have applied is not equal to that of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but we admit there is a waiting list. The difficulty is to get accommodation in which to put our classes, and to make a proper balance between building of the training centres, the building of houses and factories and so on. We are pressing on, and will get the list down as quickly as possible.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Has the Minister considered taking over aerodromes, of which a great number are vacant and have suitable buildings which could be used as technical colleges?

Mr. Isaacs

They are being surveyed. They are not always easily made suitable. One cannot always use a shed on an aerodrome in its existing condition. It will want walls and partitions, and that is part of the difficulty.

Major Beamish

Are there not vacant camps all over the country that could easily be used?

Mr. Isaacs

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows of any—I do not say it sarcastically—if he will let me have particulars, I will be glad to look into them.

33. Major Beamish

asked the Minister of Labour if he has now looked into the question of how far shortage of equipment is causing the inadequacy of the Government training scheme for ex-Servicemen and women; if he will make a statement; and what steps are being taken to remedy all shortages.

Mr. Isaacs

Certain trades, such as watch and clock repairing and hairdressing are dependent on equipment not normally produced in this country, and conditions in the producing countries place difficulties in the way of imports. Other trades, such as tailoring and the leather trades, which depend on still scarce raw materials present special difficulties. These are being overcome as far as possible by the use of reasonable substitutes. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, whose Department is responsible for supplying the training centres, assures me that everything possible is being done to ensure that supplies are available as soon as possible.

43. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will withdraw Leaflet P.L. 156 and replace it by another giving a more accurate description of the Govern- ment vocational training facilities available to ex-Servicemen and women and of the conditions of eligibility for this training.

Mr. Isaacs

I do not accept that Leaflet P.L. 156 gave an inaccurate description of the Government training facilities. In order, however, that in future there shall he no question of misunderstanding, a revised edition of the leaflet has been prepared and will be issued shortly.

Mr. Warbey

Will the new leaflet make it clear that training is not normally available for occupations other than that in which the Serviceman or woman was previously engaged or for which they were previously trained?

Mr. Isaacs

The trouble with the previous leaflet was that people put different interpretations upon it from those of the Ministry of Labour. Therefore, we have published a leaflet of questions and answers which we hope will clear up all the doubts.