§ 1. Wing-Commander Roland Robinsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he will instruct his local officials to make a full explanation to ex-Servicemen of the , delays in securing facilities under the Government training schemes and to find suitable employment for applicants for such training until vacancies occur.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)Instructions to this effect have already been issued and are in operation.
§ 2 and 3. Wing-Commander Robinsonasked the Minister of Labour (I) whether he is aware that training facilities for ex-Servicemen are falling far behind the needs; and what steps he is taking to enlarge these facilities to meet the demand;
(2) what are the facilities available under Government training schemes for ex-Servicemen; and how big is the waiting list for these facilities.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe training facilities available at Government training centres, of which there are at present 38, and at technical colleges, are adequate for some 9,800 men. Training with employers is also provided where appropriate arrangements can be made. I regret that it has been impossible to expand these facilities at a rate commensurate with the increasing demands for training, resulting from rapid demobilisation, and on 9th March there were 14,623 ex-Service men on the waiting list. These facilities are being expanded as quickly as possible, and in the last two months 10 new training centres have been opened,' and the number of training places available has been increased by over 2,300. The rate of expansion is being rapidly increased as new centres come into operation.
§ Wing-Commander RobinsonIs it not a fact that the Government's training plans for ex-Service men are failing lamentably owing to the lack of facilities, and will the right hon. Gentleman expand these facilities considerably to meet actual needs?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot agree that the scheme is failing lamentably. I will admit that it is not coming up to pitch as quickly as we hoped, but our problem is to obtain appropriate premises, and that is rapidly being overcome.
§ Mr. BossomIs it not a fact that there is a great number of building trade operatives wishing for training of this kind, but that there is no technical equipment in the various schools?
§ Mr. IsaacsI could not accept that without looking into the matter. Our main problem is accommodation, and I am not aware of any shortage of equipment.
§ Squadron-Leader DonnerIs the Minister aware that, according to his figures, the average number at training centres is 250? Will he give an indication how many will be able to attend later on?
§ Mr. IsaacsI am afraid that I could not give the hon. and gallant Member the average figure, but I will get it for him. What we are aiming at is to pass about 50,000 people through these centres each year. Individual centres will vary in number from more than 500 down to 60.
§ Mr. LipsonIn view of the fact that it is unfair to keep men waiting indefinitely for training, cannot the Minister say when he will be able to absorb the 14,000 already on the waiting list?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir, not definitely. We hope to build up these places by the end of the year. These men are not unemployed. A vast number of them have been found other employment by the Ministry, and they are brought out of that employment" as soon as we have training facilities for them.