§ Mr. Harry Howarthasked the Minister of Labour what is the normal waiting period for applicants who have been accepted for training at the Leicester Government Training Centre before they commence their training; how many such applicants are at present waiting; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyWaiting periods fluctuate. For some trades the waiting time at Leicester Government Training Centre is at present six months or less; for others it is up to a year or more. 120 successful applicants are currently waiting for training places. Waiting periods can sometimes be reduced if applicants are willing to leave home for training at a more distant centre. Pressure on Centres in the Midlands will be eased when the new Centre at Coventry opens later this year
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that the work of the Government training centre at Denton is receiving the full co-operation of the Amalgamated Engineering Union; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GunterI am disappointed that the Manchester District Committee of the Amalgamated Engineering Union refuses to accept our engineering trainees, other than welders, despite a shortage of skilled engineering workers in the area. I have appealed to the Committee to reconsider its attitude.