§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to the written answer to the hon. Member for 19W Wolver Hampton, North-East (Mrs. Short), Official Report, 11 December 1979, columns 549–50, whether Sir Derek Rayner is discussing with the Manpower Services Commission the appropriate length for courses at skillcentres.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe Manpower Services Commission informs me that Sir Derek Rayner is not discussing with it the appropriate length for skillcentre courses.
§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of places expected to be available at skillcentres for courses commencing during 1980; and what are the six skills for which retraining will be most widely available at skillcentres.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI have been advised by the Manpower Services Commission that approximately 18,400 places will be available in skillcentres during 1980. The six trades for which most places will be available are:
- Bricklaying.
- Motor vehicle repair and maintenance
- Carpentry and joinery
- Welding—electric arc.
- Capstan setting/operating.
- Radio, television and electronic servicing
§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has for the Blackburn skillcentre.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.