§ 11. Mr. S. Shephardasked the Minister of Labour if he will give an assurance 176 that men released from the Forces who are untrained and unequipped for any civilian occupation will be given facilities to undertake a Vocational Training Course, and will not be directed into employment either before undergoing such training or for a period of at least eight weeks after completion of such training
§ Mr. IsaacsThe facilities for training under the Vocational Training Scheme are still available to men released from the Forces provided that they apply for training during the period of their release leave. On completion of training, such men will have brought to their notice vacancies on essential work in the trade for which they have been trained. I can give no guarantee that, in the unlikely event of a man refusing to be submitted for suitable essential work, he will not be subject to direction.
§ Mr. ShephardIs not the Minister aware that very often these men have to wait a very long time before they can undergo a course of vocational training? Will the Minister give an assurance that their right to find their own jobs is not prejudiced in that case?
§ Mr. IsaacsThey have plenty of time to exercise their right to choose their own jobs before they undertake training, but if they undertake training at the expense of the State, it is only reasonable that they should accept work in the trade for which they have been trained.