HC Deb 04 February 1963 vol 671 cc34-5
38. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Labour what co-operation he has had from industrialists and trades unionists in the North-East on matters connected with the training of unskilled labour.

Mr. Hare

I have had co-operation from industrialists in the North-East but the trade unions have as yet felt unable to give me their full support in my decision to set up a new training centre in Co. Durham.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend, as I am sure he will, pursue this matter, and will he, at the same time, arrange a conference with his right hon. Friend to discuss co-operation concerning cadet nurses and their release for educational purposes? It must be all or none.

Mr. Hare

My hon. Friend is leading me into conflict with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. I was in the House when this matter was discussed. I am sure that the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend. As to the first part of the question, I am hoping that as time goes on I shall be able to overcome the difficulties that I have been having in the Tursdale centre.

Mr. Popplewell

Following the Minister's earlier reply, will not he make it clear that the trade unionists have not opposed this valuable training scheme in principle? What they have been in negotiation and discussion about is certain details in its application, but not the actual principles.

Mr. Hare

I think it is perfectly true in principle, but the trouble is when we get down to details. I do not want to make too much of this. I hope we shall overcome the difficulties—in other words, that when we have trained these men we shall be able to place them. For anything the hon. Member can do to help me I shall be grateful.

Mr. R. W. Elliott

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the very valuable work being done by the Government training centre near Newcastle-upon-Tyne? Is he aware further that the decision to open the retraining centre at Tursdale in County Durham is seen as making a very useful contribution to meeting redundancy in the contracting coal industry?

Mr. Hare

I am glad my hon. Friend has said that. I think it is encouraging to those who are responsible for Government training centres to get a tribute like that. I think they do a very good job, and I hope that in extending our centres we shall be able to maintain the same efficiency and the same service.