Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour how many men proceeded from Government instructional centres during the last complete year to semi-skilled employment; what trades this employment was found in; and how many of the trades gave trade union conditions?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDuring 1938, 2,580 men proceeded from Instructional Centres to employment. The men at these Centres undergo a reconditioning course and the great majority of those placed are labourers. It is not possible to say how many found semi-skilled employment.
Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether the standard of workshop training has now been so raised that applicants stand a reasonable chance of obtaining permanent occupations at standard rates of pay and under normal trade union conditions?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe object aimed at is to give unemployed men and women a training which will afford them a new opportunity of obtaining employment under normal conditions. The standard of training during the limited period allowed is high and I should be very glad to arrange for the hon. Member to see the character of the training given at the centres and to form his own view about it.
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Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour what nature of general education is given to applicants at Government instructional centres, and by whom; and how many teachers holding teachers' certificates are employed at the 25 instructional centres functioning during 1938?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe education given at Instructional Centres is of the most elementary and practical nature and is designed to stimulate the men's general interest and intelligence. The post of Education and Welfare Officer at the centres has a dual function and the holder therefore needs the necessary qualities for recreation and welfare work. Three of these officers holding teaching certificates, eight are University graduates and five have passed Intermediate University examinations.