HC Deb 08 November 1949 vol 469 cc1028-9
3. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour why training grants paid by his Department to photographic students at the Guildford School of Art now run only one year.

Mr. Isaacs

These grants are paid until the trainee reaches a standard at which he can obtain satisfactory employment. The intermediate examinations of the Institute of British Photographers and the City and Guilds of London Institute are adopted as that standard which normally takes a year to reach. Grants can, however, be extended in exceptional cases where it is not attained in that time.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is it not a fact that the course in respect of which these grants were paid lasts two years? Is it not also a fact that the Minister of Education pays students for whom he is responsible, and who are doing precisely the same course, in respect of a two-year period? Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why he regards as ranking for grant only half the period which is so regarded by his right hon. Friend the Minister of Education?

Mr. Isaacs

All I can say is that we have accepted the one-year basis since 1947 and that all applicants who have applied for the course since that date have been told that it is for one year only, unless in exceptional circumstances it has to be extended.

8. Mr. Frank Byers

asked the Minister of Labour why his vocational training scheme to provide for the permanent settlement into civilian life of men and women whose lives have been interrupted by war service does not provide grants for those who wish to become journalists unless they are disabled persons.

Mr. Isaacs

The arrangements for vocational training schemes in different industries are worked out in full consultation with the representative organisations of employers and workpeople concerned. In this case I have not yet been able to secure the agreement of the appropriate Joint Industrial Council to a training scheme except for disabled persons. Able-bodied persons cannot therefore at present be accepted for training under this scheme.

Mr. Byers

While I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask him if he will continue to negotiate and see if it is possible to help those who have come out of the Services and have a flair for journalism to get some sort of assistance?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot say that I will specialise in journalism, but we will continue our efforts with this industry to see if we can get a further agreement.

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