§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large; number of young ex-service men who, prior to joining the colours, had partially learned a trade, but who, since demobilisation, have been unable to obtain employ merit in their previous occupation; and whether he will consider meeting the claims of these men, either by an extension of the training scheme or by direct employment in Government factories?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASo far as young ex-service men who were serving apprenticeships at the time of their enlistment are concerned, provision has1448W been or is being made for about 44,000 under the interrupted apprenticeship scheme. Some 62,000 young disabled ex-service men are also being provided for under the industrial training schemes. So far as young fit ex-service men are concerned, the difficulty of obtaining employment is common at the present time to nearly all occupations. The main opportunity is in certain of the building trades, in connection with which negotiations are in progress between the Government and the building trade employers. Generally every effort is being made to provide alternative work at Government factories in order to prevent discharges.
§ Mr. G. JONESasked the Minister of Labour the total number of ex-service men unemployed in this country; how many ex-service men have applied for training; and how many have received training?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe number of ex-service men registered as unemployed on 11th February was 368,600. The industrial training scheme is practically limited at present to disabled ex-service men who are prevented by their disability from resuming their pre-War occupation. The number of eligible applicants for training at present on the waiting list is 16,141, while the number who have either beer, trained or are still in training is over 62,500.
§ Mr. E. CECILasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the widespread unemployment, he would be prepared to prolong the period of training of ex-service men in cases where the labour exchanges certify that they would be unable to obtain employment if discharged, especially as their pensions, often of a high percentage, together with their unemployment donation would sometimes exceed the cost of continuing their training?
§ Sir M. BARLOWArrangements have been made to keep in training in the Government Instructional Factories until March 31st those men requiring improverships for whom vacancies cannot be found at present.