§ 1. Commander Keransasked the Minister of Labour whether he will now establish an industrial training centre in The Hartlepools.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. William Whitelaw)There is at present a centre at Tursdale and we are setting up a new centre at Billingham. My right hon. Friend considers that these should give an adequate coverage to the area.
§ Commander KeransWill not my hon. Friend reconsider the matter? More Industry is coming into my constituency, I still have to face the loss of the shipyard a couple of years ago and there is still 6.3 per cent. unemployment. Would it not he a good thing to establish an industrial training centre in the constituency to give greater confidence for the future?
§ Mr. WhitelawI certainly appreciate what my hon. and gallant Friend said about the problems of The Hartlepools. At the same time, he realises that it is important for us to put a centre in one of the main areas of population, which is done in the case of Dillingham. It is, of course, available for The Hartlepools.
§ Dr. BrayWhat does the hon. Member mean by "adequate"? Does he 962 mean that the number of training places is one-quarter or one-tenth, of one-twentieth, of the number unemployed or likely to become unemployed, or is it related to the needs for labour for future industries?
§ Mr. WhitelawWe must be very careful in this matter to match our training arrangements with the jobs which will become available at the end of them. That is particularly important if we are to attract the support of all concerned, as is very necessary in a training programme. We shall certainly watch the situation and, if we can, we shall expand the programme.