§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will reintroduce grants to companies undertaking in-plant training of workers in assisted areas in cases where there is no Government training centre near the plant concerned.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe training grant scheme was discontinued by the 335W previous Government. The Training Opportunities Scheme was designed to increase the number of workers with transferable skills. Under this scheme lodging allowances are available to enable any workers for whom there are no local TOPS facilities—whether at skillcentres, colleges of further education or employers' establishments—to undergo training in another area with a view to eventual employment in their home area. Responsibility for these matters now rests with the Manpower Services Commission consequent upon the Employment and Training Act 1973.