§ 3. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will conduct a survey to estimate the under-use of training facilities in his Department.
§ The Minister of State for Defence (Mr. William Rodgers)In so far as we have spare capacity for training, we are already aware of vacancies where they exist and keep the industrial boards informed.
§ Mr. CanavanWould it be possible to divert some defence resources towards the creation of jobs in manufacturing and other industries by handing over to the Training Services Agency any under-used facilities for training civilian apprentices, for example, so that young school leavers may have enhanced employment opportunities of getting jobs in industry? Would not that help the country's unemployment and industrial problems and prevent a massive waste of public money and resources?
§ Mr. RodgersI entirely share my hon. Friend's concern. We have offered over 200 training places for apprenticeships, and I hope that they will be taken up.