§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what facilities are being provided in Wales for the training of young people in microelectronics; and how many are currently undergoing training:
(2) how much the Government have contributed in Wales towards training grants for the development of training courses in microelectronics in the current financial year.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe information cannot be separately identified in the form requested. A wide range of training courses in electronics, computers and engineering which cover microelectronics is provided by 201W many institutions throughout Wales, particularly colleges of higher and further education. Specialised in-house training is also undertaken by individual employers.
The Government contribute in a variety of ways, notably through the training opportunities programme; support for the engineering industrial training board; assistance to companies under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972. A programme for information technology training centres under the youth opportunities programme is also being planned.
In addition Wales benefits from the Government's £8 million microelectronics in education programme; also 18 microcomputers have been installed and over 100 further applications received in Wales under the Government's microcomputers in schools scheme.