Miss WARD:

asked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has yet been taken to afford at the Wallsend training centre an opportunity to adult shipyard workers, displaced from their own skilled craft, to train as electric welders?

Mr. STANLEY:

Arrangements have been made to train in electric welding a limited number of unemployed skilled men in the shipbuilding industry who cannot secure further employment without such training. Preference will be given to married men with dependants. It is hoped to commence the training early in the new year.

Miss WARD:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if this experiment should prove successful, it will be received with very great satisfaction by the trade unions interested in the matter, and also by those of us who have been alarmed by what is to become of men who are displaced in the shipbuilding industry and who cannot find work?

Mr. STANLEY:

I am very much obliged to the hon. Lady for the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are more electric welders than we can find work for?

Mr. STANLEY:

That is not my information.