asked the Minister of Labour in which trades in the building industry men are most urgently required for training.

At the present time the greatest need is for bricklayers.

Are steps taken at the recruitment depots, or at depots where applications are received, to make the position clear to men from time to time, so that we may get the advantage of their services?

Yes, Sir. The demand fluctuates. At one period there will be a shortage of carpenters, at another of plumbers, and so on. In consultation with the industries we get the numbers balanced as far as we can.

Is the Minister aware that this is typical bungle? There is a shortage of one class here; and a shortage of another there. Does not he know where he is with them?

That is quite right. This is a bungle we have had to deal with for over 20 years.

Is the Minister satisfied that, providing he has the labour, the materials are available for them to use?

I am concerned only with the materials for training. We certainly have adequate supplies of those.

asked the Minister of Labour on what conditions building trainees are accepted for training under the Government Training Scheme.

Building trainees are accepted for training if they satisfy the conditions set out in the statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour in the House on 6th April, 1944, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks it possible for approved trainees who have been employed by builders to disappear after a couple of days' work presumably into a job in the building black market?

I should like to have some specific examples of that, so that I could give an answer.