§ 46. Mr. William Rossasked the Minister of Labour how many centres for training entrants to the building industry are functioning in Scotland; how many men are being trained; and in what trades.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)One Government training centre in Scotland has classes for training men in the main building trades; 15 men are in training as carpenters, 14 as painters and seven as stonemasons.
§ Mr. RossIn view of statements regarding a shortage of labour for housing in Scotland, is the Minister taking any steps to extend this building training programme?
§ Mr. IsaacsIn reply to a Question by the hon. Lady, the Member for Coat-bridge (Mrs. Mann), on Tuesday, I intimated that we are looking into the question.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the Minister say what is the total number that can be taken before the training accommodation is taken up? Is it actually full now?
§ Mr. IsaacsI could not give the figures without notice, but it is not actually full yet.
§ Mr. MacLeodCan the Minister say where the centre is situated and whether he is satisfied that sufficient facilities exist?
§ Mr. IsaacsThis particular centre is at Granton, near Edinburgh, but the hon. Gentleman will be aware that, owing to certain reasons, the training scheme has been reduced. We are keeping it in being, and it will be possible to develop it again if we should find that 2168 necessary. As regards stonemasons, there is no difficulty there; it is in the case of carpenters and painters where the difficulty lies.