HC Deb 31 July 1947 vol 441 cc631-3
48 and 49. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Labour (1), how many men, partially trained at training centres in Lancashire as bricklayers, are without employment and therefore unable to complete their training; what is the average length of time which elapses between leaving these training centres and obtaining employment; and to what factors he attributes any unemployment of these men;

(2) how many men, partially trained at training centres in Lancashire as plumbers, are without employment and therefore unable to complete their training; what is the average length of time which elapses between leaving these training centres and obtaining employment; and to what factors he attributes any unemployment of these men.

Mr. Isaacs

Two hundred and seventy-seven bricklayers and 40 plumbers trained at Government training centres in Lancashire have not yet been placed for continued training with employers. It is not possible, without special inquiry, to give the average length of time between the end of the training course and taking up employment, but in the twelve weeks ended 30th June, out of 565 bricklayers and 141 plumbers placed in employment, 224 and 107 respectively proceeded direct from the Centre to employment. The output from the Centres in this region has temporarily exceeded the openings available for trainees and, for this reason, further allocation to the Centres has been suspended for the time being.

Mr. Greenwood

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these men, most of whom fought gallantly during the war and have volunteered for this kind of work in order to contribute to national reconstruction, now feel that there is a definite prejudice against them, and will he do everything in his power to remove this prejudice—from whatever source it may spring?

Mr. Isaacs

Most certainly, if my hon. Friend will give me evidence of any such cases.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some weeks ago I drew his attention to the fact that some of these young workers were excluded from working on a particular building site in Bolton in Lancashire, and has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiries on this matter because trainees are not encouraged by such treatment?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, and I am sure that the hon. and gallant Gentleman will recollect that I not only made inquiries, but gave a full answer as to the position and stated what had been done to remedy it.