§ 7. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Works whether he has noted that in North Staffordshire apprentices in the building industry are unable to find work after their training is completed; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this grievance.
§ Mr. MolsonI am aware that there are fewer vacancies for building craftsmen in North Staffordshire than in some other areas. I should hope that any young craftsman who may experience difficulty in finding suitable employment locally will look further afield.
§ Dr. StrossThat creates a very special difficulty, for further afield similar problems also face craftsmen. Will the Minister accept that it is felt by these young people that, when they qualify, they have been defrauded, for they were promised virtually by all of us in society that there would be an opportunity for them to build something?
§ Mr. MolsonI do not think that the situation has arisen yet where a young craftsman feels that it is impossible for him to find employment elsewhere. The building industry is unlike a manufacturing industry, and it is necessary for labour to go to where the work is available instead of the work being brought to the men.