§ 8. Mr. Cledwyn Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ask the Welsh Council to examine the question of the provision of retraining facilities, particularly in North-West Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI do not think this would be appropriate. The training needs of North-West Wales have been most carefully considered and steps to meet those needs are being taken.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Secretary of State aware that that is a most disappointing and disheartening reply, especially coming from the right hon. and learned Gentleman who, as a Member who formerly represented a constituency in the area, knows the difficulties of the area as well as anyone? Is he further aware that the present facilities are totally inadequate and that there is only one retraining centre in North Wales, namely, at Wrexham, and that the men and women who go there from my area have to spend protracted periods away from home? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman ask the Welsh Council to make an objective study of this matter and, if necessary, make representations to the Secretary of State for Employment?
§ Mr. ThomasAs the right hon. Gentleman knows from a letter which he received from the Minister of State at the Department of Employment, that Department has studied this matter very carefully. The right hon. Gentleman has asked about a Government training centre. He will know from the letter which he received that the main requirement in North-West Wales is to provide limited skill training, and that is being provided. Additional courses in limited engineering skills are due to start at Bangor and Llangefni in September. 1157 Denis Ferranti Meters Ltd. is also co-operating.
§ Mr. HughesOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.