HC Deb 22 February 1922 vol 150 cc1940-1W
Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the unfortunate position of trades instructors in reformatory and industrial schools which have been or are about to be closed, and who are apparently, as a result of such closing, not only losing their employment without compensation, but also their rights to pension for which they have worked for years, and are ineligible for employment and benefit: and whether he will consider the advisability of more generous treatment of these men?

Mr. SHORTT

I much regret that the closing of a number of reformatory and industrial schools, which has been necessary on grounds of economy, has involved loss of employment to the staff, including trade instructors. It is hoped that most of them will be able to obtain other employment, and for this purpose as long notice as possible—usually three months—has been given. The managers of the schools which are being closed will, I am sure, do what they can to assist the staff in finding other work and will give special consideration to any cases of hardship arising from old age or infirmity.