§ Major J. Whiteasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the shortage of blacksmiths in rural areas; of the detrimental effect of this shortage on agricultural production; and what steps are being taken to remedy it.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am aware of the need for increasing the number of blacksmiths in rural areas. As a step towards meeting this need, my Department is in consultation with other Government Departments, the Rural Industries Bureau, and representatives of the industrial interests concerned with the object of initiating a vocational training scheme. A technical committee is now working out the details. I am also hopeful that the position will improve as suitable men are released from the Forces and the munitions industries.