HC Deb 08 November 1945 vol 415 cc1592-3W
Major Beamish

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any explanation of the fact that only 2,189 ex-Service or ex-Merchant Navy men and women, and 577 civilians were under training in Government training centres on 19th October, 1945, although these centres had a capacity of 9,286; and whether he is satisfied that the whole scheme is sufficiently publicised.

Mr. Isaacs

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to his Question on 18th October, and to the detailed statement circulated in the Official Report. As noted in that statement adaptation work now in hand at the centres must be completed before the maximum number of places will be available. This work is being completed as speedily as possible, and already it has been possible to admit 3,265 persons to the training centres, an increase of 499 on the figure given in that statement.

As to the second part of the Question, I am satisfied from the large number of applications for training which are being received that the scheme is being sufficiently publicised.