§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are awaiting admission to Government training centres, regionally and nationally; and what is the maximum waiting period.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the number of people awaiting entry to136W skillcentres—formerly Government training centres—in March 1979 was 17,815 which, broken down by regions is as follows:
Scotland 2,381 Northern 1,194 Yorks and Humberside 1,255 North-West 1,887 Midlands 2,707 Wales 1,454 South-West 1,552 South-East 3,209 London 2,176 The waiting period varies between regions and according to the popularity of individual courses. Almost immediate entry is possible in some cases, though entry may be delayed for the more popular courses.