§ Mr. RooneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria are used in deciding if registered disabled persons would benefit from two-year employment training; and how many people had such extended training in the last period for which figures are available.
Mr. Jackson[holding answer 29 April 1991]: Before 1991 the normal period of training for ET was a maximum of one year. People with disabilities for whom extended training would substantially enhance chances of obtaining suitable employment could be offered up to a further year of training.
As from April 1991, all fixed limits on the duration of ET training were removed. From April 1991 trainees are entitled to a reasonable duration of training having regard to the nature and level of the intended qualification or credits, and to the training needs and prior learning of the trainee. Information about the numbers of people with disabilities who had extended training is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate costs.