§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Employment what will be the effects in the Northern region of his decision to reduce the training opportunities scheme expenditure by £22.3 million this year.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the effect in the Northern region will be to reduce the number of trainees starting courses from the previous target of 8,210 to 7,490 during the current financial year with a consequent reduction in the regional TOPS budget of £1.5 million.