HC Deb 22 March 1949 vol 463 cc181-2
10. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the total number of persons waiting to be admitted for a vocational training course; and how many of them have been waiting for periods of three, six and 12 months, respectively.

Mr. Isaacs

Two thousand, seven hundred and eighty-four. I could not give without special inquiry the periods for which individuals have been waiting.

Mr. Shephard

Is it not a fact that the Minister has given that information previously? Will he assure the House that no man has waited for as long a period as 12 months before undertaking one of these courses?

Mr. Isaacs

I could not give a definite assurance of that kind. It depends on the trade which the man is seeking and the opportunities which exist for entering it. However, I can assure the House that on an average three months is the maximum waiting period.

18. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 4,301 persons in Government training centres are women; and for what work the women are being trained.

Mr. Isaacs

Two hundred women are in training; for canteen cookery, cotton spinning, dressmaking, engineering draughtsmanship, hairdressing, shorthand typing, and retail bespoke tailoring.