HC Deb 02 July 1958 vol 590 cc1329-30
49. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Labour how many retraining schemes for unemployed persons are available through his Department; how many such persons are being retrained; and for which industries.

Mr. Iain Macleod

On 10th March, 1958, there were 83 trades in which persons were being trained under the Ministry's Vocational Training Scheme. Training in a number of those trades is confined to the disabled. The number of trainees was 3,258. It is not possible to say how many of these were receiving retraining, but it is estimated that about 80 per cent. were unemployed before entering training.

Mr. Lee

While we are very glad to hear these figures, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he would not agree that the functions of his Ministry must now turn more and more to the problem of retraining people who are unemployed? We are now in July, and we have very high unemployment figures, and surely all the seasonal factors have now disappeared? Therefore, does it not come down to the fact that we must seriously consider the retraining of people who are unemployed?

Mr. Macleod

I think that in the main it has always been a point that retraining as such should be done in industry, and that follows logically from both the 1944 and 1948 Acts. I think that the services, useful though they are, should always be regarded as a supplement to the work which industry does itself.

50. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent there is co-operation between his Department, employers and trade unions in order to widen the scope for the retraining of workers whose jobs are disappearing as a result of technical changes.

Mr. Iain Macleod

There have been no recent discussions between the Ministry and employers' organisations and trade unions with a view to widening the range of trades in which training facilities are available under the Vocational Training Scheme. The number of training places available and the range of trades are considered adequate to meet current requirements, but these arrangements are kept under review.

Mr. Lee

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is now essential to get the full co-operation of employers and trade unions in an effort to absorb people who are now losing their jobs through technical change, and will continue to do so in ever-increasing numbers? Is he aware that the Ministry could do a very good job by bringing employers and trade unions into consultation before really heavy unemployment comes about?

Mr. Macleod

I have some sympathy with that, but I claim that we have that co-operation from both employers and the trade unions on this matter, which has been discussed on more than one occasion by my N.J.A.C., and I think they agree with the approach which I have outlined in my Answer.