§ 57. Mr. K. Lindsayasked the Minister of Labour whether he has made any recent survey of the professional needs of the country; whether such information is in the hands of University Appointments Boards and the University Grants 528 Committee; and whether he will make it available to men and women still in the Services so that they may be given guidance in choosing future careers.
§ Mr. IsaacsAn extensive survey of the professional needs of the country was made by the Hankey Committee on Further Education and Training in 1943–44. The resulting information about training facilities and prospects in the various professions has been made generally available in the handbook and pamphlets in the "Careers for Men and Women" series. These are issued free on demand to serving men and women in H.M. Forces, and are also obtainable from all the offices of the Ministry of Labour and National Service. I cannot say what information is in the hands of University Appointments Boards, but I am informed that the University Grants Committee does not possess comprehensive information of this character.
§ Mr. LindsayThe answer the right hon. Gentleman has given is not the answer I want. I have seen a number of these reports this morning in an Army camp. The pamphlets are beautiful. All I want to know is, what are the relative needs of these professions? The men are anxious to know what chances they have, having regard to the voluminous reports of the Teviot Committee, the Good enough Committee, and so on. That is the question to which I would like an answer.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe hon. Gentleman says that is not the answer he wanted. I had to fathom out in my mind what his Question really applied for. In the light of his supplementary question I will look into it.