§ 14. Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of places and courses available at Government training centres in each of the regions of the United Kingdom to those 840 wishing to specialise in the design and manufacture of footwear.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Harold Walker)Such courses are not provided at Government training centres in Great Britain. A course for operatives in footwear manufacture is available under the Training Opportunities Scheme at Rossendale College of Further Education. We shall be willing to consider further provision if the need is established.
§ Mr. BrayI thank the Minister for his answer. Is he aware that there are about 90,000 people employed in the industry? We acknowledge that training for industry generally greatly increased under the previous Government, but this is an industry of a large number of small firms and they are spreading their wings into the export market. Will the Minister consider taking positive action to improve training facilities, particularly in North-West England and notably in Lancashire?
§ Mr. WalkerI am sure the hon. Gentleman recognises that the primary responsibility for this kind of training rests with the employers and with the industrial training board for the industry. The Department provided Government training centre courses for boot and shoe repair, but they had to be discontinued because of the lack of demand. We have not so far seen sufficient evidence to justify putting on additional places and courses. If the hon. Gentleman has further evidence, however, certainly I shall be glad to look at the position again.
§ Mrs. KnightIs any set percentage of places in this speciality or in Government training centres generally available to the disabled?
§ Mr. WalkerI am sorry, but I cannot answer that question without notice. If the hon. Lady would care to write to me, I shall be glad to answer.