§ 8. Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures available in respect of unemployed males and females in the Preston travel-to-work area.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonOn 8 October there were 12,003 males and 5,899 females registered as unemployed in the Preston travel-to-work area.
§ Mr. ThorneIn view of the remarkable increase in the number of unemployed in the Preston travel-to-work area, will the Under-Secretary of State explain how he justifies the cutting of industrial training boards? As there is no early opportunity of re-employment, industrial training provides a good alternative for many youngsters in the area.
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not aware that industrial training boards have created any jobs. They have provided training for industry. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Government are helping thousands of people in Preston through the temporary short-time working compensation scheme, the youth opportunities programme and the job release scheme.