Training Opportunities Scheme

HC Deb 08 November 1978 vol 957 cc189-90W

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will place a copy of the report of the Manpower Services Commission's review of the training opportunities scheme in the Library: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Booth

The report of the MSC's Review of the training opportunities scheme—TOPS—was published today. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. The report reviews the operation of the scheme since its inception in 1972 and makes proposals for its future development. It proposes that TOPS should make a greater contribution to meeting the needs of employers through occupational training and to helping the unemployed, particularly the long-term unemployed, in particular through the development of work preparation courses. The Government have welcomed the report and approved the general strategy for the future development of TOPS which it sets out.