HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 cc1204-6
17. Miss Margaret Herbison

asked the Minister of Labour what effect the cut imposed on the National Institute of Houseworkers has had on its one centre in Scotland.

Sir W. Monckton

The Institute will not be in a position to retain this centre after the latest entrants amongst the present trainees finish their course in November next.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister aware that this one centre in Scotland draws its students from the islands to the North of Scotland right to the South of Scotland, and that it will be a very great pity indeed if it is closed, since those girls who have had the training have found that it has been of great benefit to them; and will he not reconsider his decision that this one centre for the whole of Scotland should be closed?

Sir W. Monckton

I wish I could hold out hopes that there was more available for this purpose, but there has had to be economy in this service and the result is that this centre cannot be kept open.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister not aware that there is no other institution providing the same type of training and education, and that by this economy he is wiping out completely one form of education and training?

Sir W. Monckton

I greatly regret that there has to be any economy in this service. What I was anxious to do was to make sure that, though there was economy, the Institute should be able to continue to function, as it will do, so that when times are better it can expand.

Mr. Alfred Robens

Why should this institution, which is training many girls from all parts of the country and in other centres than Scotland, be chosen for economy when it is vitally necessary, in accordance with the Ministry of Labour policy, that we should have more trained people in all sorts of industries, and when these girls are fulfilling a very useful function?

Sir W. Monckton

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, when attempts are made to economise it is not only things which one would like to see economised upon that suffer the economies. I regret that it has become necessary, but it has.

Miss Jennie Lee

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this unfortunate curtailment, coming at a time when unemployment is on the increase, is really throwing away so much of the good work and the good will instituted by the late Ernest Bevin, with help from all sides of the House, to decasualise housework, and at the same time to ensure that those ladies should have a status and a regular week's work; and will he, on the grounds of status and rising unemployment, added to other considerations, look once more at this problem?

Sir W. Monckton

I appreciate, as anyone who has held my office must appreciate, the interest which Mr. Bevin took in this work. I would add that we have been able to secure the retention of the Institute, and if opportunity comes to see it brought again to the areas in which it has functioned, I shall take it.