HC Deb 24 February 1969 vol 778 c1059
16. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the average time lag in Wales between a man ceasing work in a job in which he has been declared redundant and his entry into a Government training centre for retraining; and what is the difference between men in their fifties and those in their over-fifties in this respect.

Mr. Hattersley

Waiting time varies from trade to trade and centre to centre and it is not possible to quote a meaningful average. In Wales suitable applicants can be allocated almost immediately to most engineering and construction training courses. For other trades the waiting time may vary from five weeks to over six months. It is not affected by the applicant's age.

Mr. Hooson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great concern about fifties and over-fifties in Wales because as they are declared redundant in declining industries, unless they are retrained, they become virtually unemployable?

Mr. Hattersley

I am very conscious of the concern for and by the over-fifties in Wales and elsewhere. One of our jobs is to convince the over-fifties that if they apply for training they may well be able to receive it with benefit. I hope that that message will go out as a result of this Question.