HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 c1037W
Sir I. Albery

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements are being made at the Gravesend Technical Institute to provide instruction in branches of engineering connected with the war effort; what publicity has been given to this scheme locally; how many persons have so far availed themselves of it; and what financial arrangements have been made to assist men during their period of training?

Mr. Bevin

Arrangements have been made by my Department with the local education authority for courses of instruction at the Gravesend Technical Institute to start by the 15th July in bench fitting and centre lathe operating. Twelve training places are available and the

Following is the answer:

Approximate number of refugees at present in this country.
(Separate figures for men, women, boys and girls are not available.)
Pre-war arrivals. Arrivals between September, 1939, and March, 1940. Post-March, 1940, arrivals. Total.
Germans 51,000 51,000
Austrians 4,750 4,750
Polish 500 2,500 3,000
Dutch 1,600 1,600
Belgian 13,900 13,900
Czechs 7,000 450 7,450
Spanish 800 130 930