HC Deb 02 December 1947 vol 445 cc185-6
38. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent vocational training schemes for ex-Service men are to be curtailed; and whether the right to training will be preserved.

Mr. Isaacs

The extent of the training given under the vocational training scheme has recently been reduced owing, mainly, to the suspension for the present of the training of men for building occupations in large numbers. But the conditions of eligibility for training remain unchanged.

Sir I. Fraser

Does the Minister's reply mean that whatever time elapses the right to training will continue?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, most certainly. The training is going on for small numbers now, but not for the same numbers as before.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does that mean that there are particular subjects on which the training has been reduced, or that the training has been reduced equally over all the different subjects?

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. The reduction has mainly taken place in building training. There has been some slight reduction in other industries due to the shortage of raw materials. I will let the hon. Gentleman have particulars of those.