Lieut.-Colonel PINKHAMasked the Minister of Labour why schemes of training in electrical installation and retail bespoke tailoring submitted by the Willesden War Pensions Committee to the Ministry of Pensions for sanction on 2nd January and 14th February, respectively, have not been sanctioned; whether he is aware that since the War Cabinet announced some six months ago that training of discharged men was to be transferred to the Ministry of Labour, few schemes of training have been inaugurated throughout the country, and that consequently it is almost impossible for a discharged man to obtain training at the 1622W present day; and what steps the Government are proposing to take in the matter generally to provide adequate training facilities for the thousands of men who have been waiting for months to take up training?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe two schemes referred to have been sanctioned. The delay was due, in one case, to difficulties as to accommodation, and in the other case to delay in setting up a local technical advisory committee as is required under the agreement between the Government and representatives of the industry. The transference of training to the Ministry of Labour only took place on 1st May. In the interval the Ministry of Labour has been making necessary preparations, and setting up the appropriate organisations for instituting and carrying out schemes of training. The Ministry of Labour and their local representatives are taking every means to provide facilities for training as rapidly as possible. Amongst the resources at their disposal will be the Instructional Factories set up by the Ministry of Munitions during the War, and the National Factories, in regard to which the claims of training have now been granted specially high priority by the Government. They will also work in close touch with the local education authorities, and will endeavour to ensure the fullest possible use of technical schools and institutions.
§ Mr. WILLIAM NICHOLSONasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Lieutenant H. L. Cowell, of the 7th London Regiment, attached to the 5th Middlesex Regiment, at Clipstone Camp; whether he is aware that Lieutenant Cowell, before joining the Army and serving in France, had been, employed in a shipping office, and is now anxious to obtain his demobilisation papers and take up civilian occupation; whether he is aware that Lieutenant Cowell applied to the Appointments Department for tuition in motor engineering, and for the grant that is made to officers in like circumstances; that he has applied to the London office, and has been referred to Nottingham; that on applying at the Nottingham office he was informed by those in charge that it was not a charitable institution; and whether he will see that Lieutenant Cowell's application is given early and proper attention?
§ Sir R. HORNEThere is no record of any application by Lieutenant Cowell to the Appointments Department in relation 1623W to his demobilisation. He has, however, applied to the Department for a training grant, and I am informed that efforts are being made to find him a suitable vacancy with a firm engaged in the business for which he desires to train. The question of a grant will be duly considered as soon as the vacancy is found. Meanwhile, I am assured that the officer who interviewed Lieutenant Cowell at Nottingham did not make such a remark as is attributed to him in the question.