HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 cc31-2
62. Mr. Urwin

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give urgent consideration to current and long-term requirements for the provision of additional industrial training facilities in the northern region.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Yes. As my hon. Friend will be aware, a new Government training centre will open at Killing-worth next year. In addition, during 1967–68 we intend to start building a new centre in Cumberland, as well as substantial extensions to the Billingham and Killingworth Centres. In the shorter term, 42 additional training places will be provided at existing centres early next year.

Mr. Urwin

Is there any possibility in these considerations of the provision of a centre in west or mid-Durham?

Mrs. Williams

The Ministry will be considering further expansion beyond that already predicted for the next two years, and, of course, west or mid-Durham Consider whether they really are the lowest paid—and that is a matter of dispute. A minority of them are.

Following is the information: will be considered alone with other possibilities.

63. Mr. Urwin

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied with the estimate of growing labour demand in the northern region, as set out in the regional economic development plan; how he proposes to meet future demand; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gunter

I consider that the labour demand estimates in the Northern Economic Planning Council's study are reasonable, subject to the reservations made in the survey itself. They indicate a long-term shortage of male jobs and the Government will continue to encourage the creation of new employment opportunities in the region.