§ Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will make a statement on ECSC financial aid to the British Steel Corporation for the retraining of steel workers in Lincolnshire.
§ Mr. MeacherThe British Steel Corporation has already undertaken an extensive retraining programme at Scunthorpe and part of the £700,000 allocated by the Commission and referred to in my reply to the hon. Member on 24th July will be used as a contribution towards training benefits and the costs of the retraining programme. The Iron and Steel Employees Readaptation Benefits Scheme provides for a training allowance of 100 per cent. of previous earnings less the gross amount of any pay or other training allowance received from the employer, so the extent to which those who have undergone retraining will receive additional benefit will depend on individual circumstances.
The Commission has also announced grants of £50,000 and £18,250 in respect of the closure of iron ore mines at Colsterworth and Harlaxton and Woolsthorpe and these funds will also be used for any retraining arising from these closures.