HC Deb 26 April 1922 vol 153 cc569-70W
Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Labour whether, with regard to the 63,000 ex-service men who have been trained in industrial training centres and have been placed in situations in the trades they been trained in, he can state how many of these men are still working at those trades?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The great majority of the men referred to are known to have obtained employment in the trades in which they have been trained, but I regret that I cannot give figures as to the number now in employment.

Mr. MACLEAN

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to revise the scheme for training disabled ex-service men in training centres; and whether, in any such revision, the ex-service men's associations will be consulted?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I know of no proposal to revise generally the Industrial Training Scheme for disabled ex-service men. If any such revision were contemplated, I would certainly propose to discuss it with representatives of all the interests concerned. Perhaps I may add that I have recently had before me suggestions as to the working of the scheme, put forward by the Trainees National Guild, which I have considered fully and replied to.

Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Labour whether lie will state the composition of the local technical advisory committees; what powers they possess; and whether any representative of the ex-service men sits upon those bodies?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The functions of a local technical advisory committee are to advise locally as to the selection of suitable condidates for training; the suitability of the training offered (with special reference to the prospects of regular employment); the suitability of the rate of wages offered at the termination of training; and on any other questions arising out of the training of disabled men for the trade concerned. These technical committees are composed equally of representatives of employers and labour in their respective trades. They do not include members appointed specifically to represent ex-service men, although, in fact, in many cases ex-service men serve as members of the committees.