§ Sir C. COBBasked the Minister of Labour what has been the total cost of 631W each of the Government instructional factories at Cricklewood and Camden Town; what is the total accommodation provided in each of these factories for the training of disabled sailors and soldiers; what is the actual number of trainees now under instruction thereat; and what is the total cost, including sinking fund, interest, and all other charges whatsoever, per man per month?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe total cost of the Cricklewood Factory, including land, buildings, adaptation of premises and equipment, is approximately £58,000. The total accommodation provided is 600 places, and there were 410 men in training there on 9th June. The total cost per man on the basis set out in my hon. Friend's question is approximately £9 10s. per month, but this figure will be reduced as the number of men in training increases.
With regard to the Camden Town Factory, the premises have not yet been taken over by the Ministry of Labour. A rent of £5,000 per annum, exclusive of rates and taxes, will be paid for the buildings, and the present occupiers have undertaken to give the Ministry of Labour complete possession by 5th July. Accommodation for 400 trainees will be provided in this factory. While I shall of course take every care to see that public expenditure on the training of disabled ex-service men is wisely and prudently dispensed, I am quite sure my hon. Friend, the House, and the country will gladly endorse every effort we may make to requite the obligation under which we rest to these men to the full limit of the State's capacity.
§ Sir C. COBBasked the Minister of Labour whether the new joint local committee for London for the engineering and electricity trades, which was set up to inquire into the whole matter of the removal of unreasonable restrictions upon the training of disabled sailors and soldiers for the engineering and electricity (power and light) industry, has come to any decision; whether, as a result of these restrictions, no men were placed in training for these trades during the month of May; and whether he is taking any steps to prevent trades being practically closed to discharged sailors and soldiers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe local technical advisory committee for the632W engineering and electricity trades respectively were amalgamated, upon the recommendation of the National Trade Advisory Committees concerned, in order to prevent overlapping, and not for the reason suggested by my hon. Friend. Difficulties have unfortunately arisen with the trade interests concerned in the amalgamation, and on this account the Joint Committee has not yet been able to meet. As under existing arrangements no ex-service man can be accepted for training in either trade until he has been passed by the Committee, it is correct that no men were placed in training in these trades in London during the month of May. Every endeavour is being made to bring the negotiations with the trades concerned to a successful conclusion with the least possible delay, so that the Joint Committee may assume its functions at the earliest possible moment.