§ 72. Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of Labour why there is a hold up in training courses for boot and shoe repairing in Yorkshire; what is the average waiting period before a vacancy can be granted; and what steps he is taking to overcome these delays.
§ Mr. IsaacsOwing to the general shortage of leather supplies there has been unavoidable delay in obtaining materials for the boot repairing classes in Yorkshire, and, in consequence, there has been several months' delay in allocating men to training. Provided the supply position continues to improve, it will shortly be possible to extend the number of training places available.
§ Mr. YorkWhen the men concerned wish to take up one of these courses, are the Ministry's officials trying to dissuade them from taking those courses and to take some other course instead?
§ Mr. IsaacsI would not like to say they were trying to dissuade the men. However, we do point out to the men where there is considerable delay in taking up training in certain industries, and we direct their attention to other industries in which there is a need for trainees.