Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the demand for labour in the furnishing trades in Newcastle-on-Tyne is greatly in excess of the supply; that the Disablement Committee of the Newcastle-on-Tyne War Pensions had before them at their last meeting a statement showing that there were numerous vacancies in that area alone which could not be filled; that a resolution was passed by the committee 949W recommending that, in view of the great demand for skilled workmen in the housing and furnishing trades, steps should at once be taken in order that training should be commenced forthwith in these trades; and if he proposes to take any action to give effect to this and similar resolutions in other parts of the country?
§ Sir R. HORNEMy attention has not hitherto been drawn to the resolution in question, but I am well aware of the demand for skilled labour in the furnishing and building trades, not only in the Newcastle district, but elsewhere. Every endeavour is being made to extend the training of disabled ex-Service men in those trades. As regards the Newcastle district, the Birtley Government Instructional Factory will provide 210 training places in building and eighty in furniture-making, and the Walker Instructional Factory 120 places in building and eighty in the furniture trades. Bricklaying classes have already started at Birtley and the remaining places at both factories will be made available with the least possibly delay.