§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the growing shortage of skilled labour in The Hartlepools, and, in view of the area's industrial growth, of the need for a review of training facilities to provide more opportunities for young people to acquire the needed skills and retraining schemes for those at present out of work; and if he will take steps to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. GunterI am aware of the increase in the demand for skilled labour. The Hartlepools should benefit from the increase in training facilities which it is one purpose of the Industrial Training Act to encourage. In addition, a Government training centre has recently been set up at Billingham, which is within daily travelling distance of The Hartlepools. When this is in full operation it will be 85W able to train up to 480 persons each year, mainly in building and engineering trades.