HC Deb 25 October 1982 vol 29 cc718-9
3. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of establishing information technology centres.

The Minister for Industry and Information Technology (Mr. Kenneth Baker)

We are making good progress towards the 100 centres that I announced at the end of last year; 59 centres have been approved and 27 of these are already in operation. I have been delighted with the response from potential sponsors, who see this as one of the most successful schemes that we have introduced for the post-school training of unemployed youngsters. I am pleased to tell the House that, in co-operation with the Manpower Services Commission, we have decided to extend the scheme to at least 150 centres.

Mr. Dormand

Does the Minister agree that there is a strong case for a rapid increase in the number of ITeCs in the Northern region? In particular, what has happened to the representations that I have been making for a long time for the establishment of such a centre at Peterlee in my constituency? Finally, what are the Government doing to link the work of ITeCs with permanent employment?

Mr. Baker

An application has been received from Peterlee and is proceeding favourably. There will be an ITeC there. With regard to the Northern region generally, I am glad to note that the centres approved so far have been outside the South-East of England as it is very important for ITeCs to make their contribution to the technological base referred to earlier in relation to the Yorkshire and Humberside region. I am also glad to say that for youngsters going through the training centres, most of whom left school without any 0-level or CSE qualification, the placement rate is very high. That is why I am anxious that an industrial company should sponsor each ITeC.

Mr. Henderson

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a general impression that the centres have been extremely successful? Can he assure us that there will be monitoring to allow the presentation of more precise information about the success of youngsters going through the centres and the benefits for their employers? Finally, is he satisfied with the extension of the centres in Scotland?

Mr. Baker

Scotland has a proportionately fair share of the centres and it will have a fair share of the extra 50 that I have announced today. As regards publicity for the centres, I welcome the support of hon. Members in all parts of the House, as this is one of the most effective initiatives in post-school training that we have undertaken.

Mr. John Garrett

Is the Minister aware that there are virtually no training materials available for ITeCs and that the Government's ITeC consultancy unit is overwhelmed with work and cannot produce the materials required? Does he agree that this is analogous with the micros in schools project, under which 25,000 primary schools are to have computers, but for which the Department of Education and Science will not make available a syllabus, teaching materials or teachers? What is the point of announcing these grand schemes if no support is provided when they are set up?

Mr. Baker

The hon. Gentleman exaggerates, and he is wrong. Under the micros in schools scheme we provide the hardware and we shall also provide some money for software support. I assure the House that training material for the ITeCs is in place and available. There are already more than 600 students at the centres and I expect that number to increase dramatically in the next few months.