HC Deb 01 May 1950 vol 474 c1398
32. Mr. Leather

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many men coming out of the Armed Forces have passed through the Coalmining Training Scheme

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

During the last six months of 1949, the number of new entrants into the coal mining industry who had been Regulars in the Armed Forces and who received preliminary training in accordance with statutory requirements was 138. This figure does not include new entrants who joined the industry after the completion of their National Service, as such men are not classified separately from other new entrants.

Mr. Leather

Is the Minister aware that there is a very real suspicion that a lot of men coming out of National Service are taking advantage of this valuable training at the State's expense and then promptly leaving the industry; and will he look into that?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I will look into it, although I do not think it is true. Of course, a certain number of men who think they will join are not really suitable. Altogether, some 10,000 adults completed their training last year and about 700 left during their training.