§ 9. Mr. Wiggasked the Secretary of State for War what is the extent of the shortage in the Army of tradesmen and potential tradesmen; and what action he is taking to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. HeadI am well aware that there are not enough tradesmen, especially those capable of filling the senior non-commissioned appointments and of reaching the highest degree of trade skill. It is hoped that certain changes in the terms of service, already made or shortly to be announced, will help in this problem and we are considering further steps to increase the number of Army apprentices. This is a serious and difficult problem 10 in which all three Services are competing with industry, and I shall continue to give it close attention.
§ Mr. WiggWould the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of his right hon. Friend the Minister of Education to his reply and point out to her that the shortage of tradesmen and potential tradesmen in the Army is due to the shortage of technical colleges throughout the country?
§ Mr. HeadI have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education has heard the remarks of the hon. Member and will take note of them.
§ Mr. E. FernyhoughIn taking steps to remedy this deficiency, will the right hon. Gentleman kindly see that no building operatives are taken away from the housing programme, because otherwise that 300,000 housing programme will fall further behind.