HC Deb 15 January 1974 vol 867 c355
18. Sir P. Bryan

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements he has made to provide special training courses for those who may become temporarily unemployed due to fuel shortage in the coming year.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

None. Temporary unemployment does not lend itself easily to use for training.

Sir P. Bryan

Will my hon. Friend tell us to what extent Government training centres have been affected by the three-day week?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I can tell my hon. Friend that the expansion of the training opportunity scheme is not seriously affected by the cuts announced by my right hon. Friend on 17th December. There will be a slight slowing-down in the expansion of training places for GTCs. The expansion in colleges of further education remains unaffected. I am glad to say that that applies to the target of 50,000 to 55,000 trainees for 1974, which I know my hon. Friend will agree is a massive increase.

Mr. Leonard

As the hon. Gentleman and all his ministerial colleagues are among those who will shortly be unemployed, will he make provisions for increasing the retraining facilities for unskilled workers?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I shall always do everything within my power to help the hon. Gentleman when he needs it.