§ Mr. K. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the proposed cuts in Government training centres and in the services for disabled.
§ Mr. HareI am not going to make any reduction in these services in relation to the demand for them. But in the interests of economical administration I intend to reduce the provision in next year's Estimates, both in terms of staff and money, to no more than is sufficient to meet the demand for these services, which has recently been running below the provision made. I am considering6W the closure of two Government Training Centres, but only because they are not being fully used and because these particular centres are close to others which can provide for local needs. None of the first year apprenticeship classes will be closed. Additional industrial rehabilitation units were opened at Peri-vale in June, 1960, at Hillington in August, 1960, and at Aintree as recently as August of this year, and I shall not close any units nor place any limit on their intake of disabled persons. I can assure the hon. Member that no person who is eligible and suitable will be denied the services which it is my responsibility to provide.