HC Deb 06 June 1946 vol 423 cc2153-4
45. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the shortage of training facilities for ex-Servicemen in agriculture, building, teaching and the professions, he will cause a general review to be made of this problem.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Training facilities in agriculture, building and teaching have been or are being considerably expanded. Progress is kept under constant review in the light of future requirements. While the provision of training for the professions is primarily a matter for the professions themselves, the Government recognise the importance of training facilities being available to the maximum absorptive capacity of the various professions.

Mr. Lindsay

Would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter, in view of the list which I have taken from recent copies of HANSARD of the numbers who are waiting? Could he treat it equally as a matter of urgency as were radar technical colleges during the war? There is a six year congestion of people waiting for these various colleges.

The Prime Minister

I quite realise the difficulty, but the hon. Member knows as well as anybody that before training facilities can be provided there have to be premises, teachers and the rest. The matter is being pressed forward.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a considerable number of men have only their Service experience to equip them for their future careers, and will he do something to enlarge the training facilities which are at present available for them?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps my hon. Friend would put that Question down to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

51. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large number of men who went straight from school into the Forces and who have been unable to find suitable employment since demobilisation, he will consider expanding the scope of the facilities available for training in the professions.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

The number of young men who enlisted straight from school and who cannot find suitable employment is not large, but I am aware that it may tend to increase as demobilisation of the younger age groups proceeds. As regards the expansion of training facilities on the professions, I would refer him to the answer given today by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. K. Lindsay).

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the many difficulties is that these young men went into uniform before they had obtained the essential basic educational qualifications, and if some attempt is made to get over that difficulty and to expand the training facilities in the professions, suitable employment will be found for a large number of them?

Mr. Isaacs

I think my hon. Friend will find that that point has been covered in the answer given by the Prime Minister.