asked the Minister of Labour whether any and, if so, which Government instructional factories are being, or have been, closed down; how many disabled ex-service men are still on the list awaiting training; and when does he hope to finish the waiting list?

My right hon. Friend has approved the closure in the near future of the Government instructional factories at, Preston and Cardiff for the reason that there is adequate accommodation available at other centres for men passed for training. The number of disabled ex-service men on the list of men awaiting training on 30th May was 23,995. The rate at which these men can be placed in training depends upon the capacity of the trades to accept them, but ample facilities for training are available.

How does the hon. Gentleman reconcile his statement with the fact that there are 23,000 men still awaiting training?

The difficulty in the training of the men is due to the falling off in trade, and not to the want of accommodation.