HC Deb 19 October 1982 vol 29 c219
12. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what assistance his Department gives to people wishing to move from industrial to clerical or other white collar jobs.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Taxpayers' money is currently being spent on training about 25,000 people in clerical and computer-related skills. The Open Tech will ensure that technician and supervisor training is more accessible.

Mr. Greenway

I welcome my hon. Friend's reply and the drift behind it, but is he aware that the microchip and other factors have brought and will continue to bring an end to a number of industrial jobs, which will be replaced by secretarial and white collar type jobs? Does he agree that renewed effort is needed in training for people to move from one area to the other?

Mr. Morrison

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. I assure him that I and the Manpower Services Commission are concentrating on technician training, because we realise that that is the way ahead.