§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what education and training schemes are currently available to miners and their families made redundant during the past decade; [38489]
(2) what plans he has to extend the current education and training schemes available to miners and their families made redundant during the last decade. [38490]
§ Mr. PageIn addition to its general training and education measures, a major element of the Government's £200 million regeneration package specifically directed to helping areas affected by pit closures since October 1992 was a £75 million package provided by the training and enterprise councils, which includes provision for training measures.
British Coal's job and career change scheme which is managed by British Coal Enterprise Ltd. was established to provide support to those made redundant from the corporation. JACCS includes the provision of education and training support. This can take the form of on-the-job training where this meets specific identifiable skills shortages in local economies; and in some cases vocational educational courses.
British Coal is currently proceeding with the disposal of BCE. Arrangements for JACCS beyond March 1996, when it is anticipated that the disposal of BCE will have been completed, are being considered by British Coal. However, I understand that British Coal will continue to provide outplacement assistance to its current and former employees made redundant and not in employment in line with present policy.