HC Deb 21 September 1948 vol 456 cc670-1
6. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that Government Training Centres employ on an average about six staff for every 10 persons in training, he will take steps to reorganise the Training Centres; what is their annual cost; and what has been the loss to the taxpayer.

Mr. Isaacs

These points are dealt with in the Report of the Committee of Public Accounts dated 27th July, which is under consideration. The net cost of running the Government Training Centres, including the provision of allowances to the trainees, is at present about £2 million a year.

Sir W. Smithers

What steps is the Minister taking to implement the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee? Will he follow the example of the French Government and dismiss one in 10 of the bureaucrats, so that they can be put to productive work and not go on wasting the taxpayers' money?

Mr. Isaacs

I will not venture into the realms of the second part of the Question. With regard to the first part, as I understand the traditions of the House, we must report our observations on the comments of the Committee to the Committee.