§ 6. Mr. Simeonsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many short courses at lower levels of skill have been started within Government Training Centres since January, 1971: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BryanSince this experimental scheme was announced in November, four courses have been started and another eight are planned by the end of the year.
§ Mr. SimeonsWould my hon. Friend say how successful these courses have been, with a view to their expansion?
§ Mr. BryanThese courses are at semiskilled level and are a totally new departure for the G.T.C.s. Early experience so far has shown that they prepare people successfully for work, and another interesting development is that many of the trainees have qualified for skilled training in the same G.T.C.
§ Mr. RoseIn view of the obvious difficulties in fragmented industries and the abrupt and rather unexpected manner 759 in which the Minister wound up the Hair-dressing and Allied Trades Industrial Training Board, would the hon. Member undertake to provide courses in those areas which are not covered by an appropriate industrial training board? Does he not agree that the Government have an important rôle to play in filling the gap?
§ Mr. BryanThis Question is about the G.T.C.s and what the hon. Gentleman has said hardly applies to them. However, we are encouraging opportunities for training by private employers with surplus training capacity, and what the hon. Gentleman said may apply in that direction.