HC Deb 25 November 1948 vol 458 cc1408-9
52. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of persons in training centres in proportion to each member of the total staff and the instructional staff, respectively, at the latest available date.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of persons in training in proportion to each member of the total staff and the instructional staff on 1st November was 2.4 and 7.4, respectively.

Sir W. Smithers

Can the Minister take some steps to make the working of these training centres less wasteful and more efficient?

Mr. Isaacs

I could not take steps to make them more efficient. We can take steps to make them what is called less wasteful. The problem is that when the training centres are being run down, an instructor teaching 20 people will still be required when teaching 10 people. We also have to look after stores and maintenance. That they are being reduced, is shown by the fact that while there were 6,700 on 1st September last year the number had gone down to 2,500 on 1st September this year.