HC Deb 24 February 1969 vol 778 cc1067-8
31. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many men and women in the Portsmouth area have completed industrial retraining courses in each of the past three years.

Mr. Hattersley

Figures for the whole field of industrial retraining are not available. The numbers who completed courses at Government Training Centres were 88 in 1966, 96 in 1967 and 76 in 1968.

Mr. Judd

In view of the above average unemployment in the city and the impact on the city of the White Paper on Defence, can my hon. Friend assure the House that the facilities for courses in Portsmouth will be increased as soon as possible?

Mr. Hattersley

I cannot give my hon. Friend assurances about facilities within Portsmouth itself, but I can certainly assure him that facilities within travelling distance of Portsmouth are available for men who may need them. Clearly, the Government will keep under review the general position in the area.