§ 13. Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people completed training opportunities programme courses in 1980–81.
§ Mr. PriorFinal figures for the 1980–81 financial year are not yet available, but the Manpower Services Commission estimates that the total number of people completing courses under the training opportunities programme will be about 67,400.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it is the nature of the training provided by the training opportunities programme that is of such immense importance? Is the programme being properly used for training staff in computer technology and in other technicalities which are or will be the subject of shortages?
§ Mr. PriorYes. There has been some reduction in the numbers taking clerical and managerial courses and a considerable increase in the numbers taking computer and technician courses. The numbers on technician and computer-related courses have increased from 8½ per cent. of the total number on TOPS training courses in 1979–80 to 12 per cent. in 1981–82.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonIn seeking the money for his voluntary National Service, will the Minister ensure that no money is taken away from the Manpower Services Commission to pay for it, and that if he wants money for it it will come from the Department of Defence allocation?