HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 c29
51. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of places for training and retraining in Government training centres in the North-East; and if all places are taken up.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The three Government training centres in the North-East have a total of 715 training places. On 30th November, 50 of these were unoccupied, of which 19 will be filled today and 19 more by the end of the month.

Mr. Elliott

I thank the hon. Lady. Is she aware that the Minister of Technology said in Newcastle last week that, in his opinion, the need for industrial training in the second half of this century would equal the need for compulsory education and that, therefore, the school leaving age should be raised to 65? As there will be a constant need for retraining, will the Government step up the number of training places in the North-East?

Mrs. Williams

The answer to the last part of that supplementary question is, "Yes, indeed". The new centre to be opened at Killingworth next year will have 172 places. In addition, a further 42 will be made available in existing centres, and later in the same year there will be a further extension at Billingham and an extension at Killingworth itself. On top of that, a new centre in Cumberland is planned for the financial year 1967–68.

Mr. Urwin

Is my hon. Friend aware that the geographical location of training centres in the Northern Region can act as a deterrent to people who would be available and willing to be trained if centres were nearer to the areas from which they come?

Mrs. Williams

Yes, Sir. That is why my right hon. Friend has decided to set up a centre in Cumberland, although it is not an area of high urban concentration.