HC Deb 12 December 1922 vol 159 cc2613-4W
Captain J. HAY

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many ex-service men in the Government Instructional Factory, Cathcart, Glasgow, are working for 45s. per week; and if he will take steps to see that this scale is improved to equal the scale of men employed under the Glasgow Corporation relief scheme, which is 58s. per week plus car fares?

Sir M. BARLOW

The rate of wages paid to men engaged as labourers at the Government Instructional Factory, Glasgow, is 45s. per week. This rate is based upon the recognised rate for unskilled labourers employed in this class of work in the Glasgow district. I regret that I cannot see my way to increase it.

Captain HAY

asked the Minister of Labour how many discharges of trainees have been made from the Government Instructional Factory, Cathcart, Glasgow, since 1st December, 1922; how many of such discharges were motor drivers; what was the length of their training; and what responsibility the Government still have for finding employment for such men or, in the event of their failing to find employment, are such discharged men able to claim further instruction as motor mechanics?

Sir M. BARLOW

Eight men are due to terminate their training at this factory between 1st and 12th December. Seven of these are motor mechanic drivers who have received 27 weeks' training. All these men furnished written promises of after employment before being accepted for training. In two cases it is known that the promises of employment will be fulfilled and the Department is in touch with the firms concerned in the other cases. Every effort is made to find employment for these men. If unfortunately employment should prove not to be forthcoming, they are not entitled to further training, since the course is adequate to qualify them for obtaining employment, if it is available.