HC Deb 22 June 1976 vol 913 cc1346-7
10. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that the opportunities for retraining of persons resident in rural areas are sufficiently adaptable to take account of the inherent geographical problems and specific job requirements in country districts.

The Minister of State, Department of Employment (Mr. Harold Walker)

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Training Opportunities Scheme—TOPS—offers a wide scope of training to people in rural areas through the variety of its courses, the adaptability of its training to local needs, and its network of training establishments.

Training is available in skillcentres, colleges of further education and employers' establishments. TOPS facilities have been greatly expanded and expansion is continuing. In addition, the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas has embarked on an expansion programme designed to increase the range and scope of training which it provides in traditional rural crafts and other occupations.

Mr. Hicks

I am grateful to the Minister. Has he considered the concept of a mobile training and retraining unit, particularly in rural areas, offering a limited number of courses based on existing facilities such as local authority or educational workshops? This could be an extension of the evening-class concept in certain trades, crafts and skills.

Mr. Walker

I have not considered this matter, but it seems to be a useful and constructive suggestion. However, I see all sorts of difficulties in the way of it. Nevertheless, I shall draw it to the attention of the Training Services Agency.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

Will the Minister accept that there are great difficulties for young people living in rural areas? They want to travel to the towns and cities to get jobs, but the bus services in rural areas do not allow them to go to distant places. Will the hon. Gentleman draw this to the attention of his right hon. Friend, or will he at least arrange for a subsidy for these young people's travelling expenses?

Mr. Walker

It is true that there are difficulties in rural areas where the population is too scattered to provide skill-centres, and there is a difficulty in travelling to the nearest town in which there is a college of further education. Lodging allowances and travelling allowances are available under the scheme to help these people, but I believe that there is some difficulty in the fact that adequate information is not always generally available.