§ 27. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Minister of Labour why the application of the boy from Embo, in the county of Sutherland, whose name is known to him, for assistance to train while living away from home in Glasgow, made on 17th October, still remains undecided while the important shipbuilding and engineering firm who are prepared to accept him as an apprentice are deprived of his services and the boy of his training.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe delay was due to difficulty in arranging the necessary interview, which finally took place on 9th December, after four previous attempts had failed for various reasons, including weather, illness of the boy and the distance involved. I understand that the conditions of the Special Aptitudes Scheme are not fulfilled and I regret, therefore, that the application must fail.
§ Sir D. RobertsonAs the distance between Embo and Wick or Thurso is very short, is it unreasonable to expect that a greater effort might have been made to interview the boy? Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the boy and his parents turned up for an arranged meeting but that the appointment was not kept by the officials?
§ Sir W. MoncktonNo, Sir, I did not know that, but I did know that one appointment could not be kept because of the boy's illness.
§ 28. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Minister of Labour why it was necessary for a representative from the National Institute of Houseworkers Centre, Bridge of Allan, to make the expensive journey to Wick to discuss with the Director of 1613 Education the placing of a girl from that county; if this is the regular practice; and why matters of this kind are not dealt with by letter or telephone.
§ Sir W. MoncktonMy hon. Friend must be under some misapprehension as I am assured by the Institute that no such journey for the purpose suggested has been undertaken.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWill my right hon. and learned Friend accept my assurance that I have in my hand a letter dated 9th December from the Director of Education in Caithness, which I will pass to him, stating:
The question of Uplands was raised on the occasion of a visit from their representative in connection with the placing of a girl from this county"?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe only occasion I have heard of was in March this year, which was a visit for that purpose and other purposes as well.