HC Deb 20 February 1967 vol 741 cc197-8W
Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied with the administration of Government vocational training centres in the Merseyside area; and what proposals he has for improving information about them.

Mr. Hattersley

I am satisfied with the administration of the Government Training Centre at Liverpool, but if my hon. Friend has any particular matter in mind I hope he will let me know. Our local officers can provide full information about courses at Government training centres to any inquirer. I do not think that further steps to improve such information are required.

Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Labour if he will list the number of Government vocational training centres in the Merseyside area, the range of courses available, the number of persons now taking such courses and the numbers waiting to undertake them.

Mr. Hattersley

There is one Government Training Centre in the Merseyside area. The present centre gives instruction in 22 trades, of which 8 are in the construction industry, 6 in engineering and 8 in other trades. On 13th February there were 353 people in training; of these 172 were in construction, 81 in engineering and 100 in other trades. The number of people awaiting admission to the Liverpool Centre at the same date was 244. As my right hon. Friend announced in the House on 30th November, 1966, building of a second Merseyside centre will start in the coming financial year.