§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what representations she has received for the establishment of a Government training centre in Portsmouth; and what replies she has sent.
§ Mr. HattersleyRepresentations have been made by the Havant Urban District Council and by the Portsmouth Local Employment Committee. My Department replied that Portsmouth's present needs were being met by the Southampton Centre, but that the need for a Centre at Portsmouth would be kept under review.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many Government training centres there are in Nottinghamshire; and what plans she has to increase the number, in view of need to retrain redundant miners and ex-miners in the country.
§ Mr. HattersleyNone, but the Centre at Long Eaton is on the Borders of the county and serves the Nottinghamshire coalfield. My right hon. Friend has no present plans to set up further Centres in the area. Experience has shown that most of the re-training required by redundant miners is at semi-skilled operator level, and this is best given by their new employers. Those who want and are suitable for the accelerated training for skill provided by Government training centres can obtain it at any of the 41 Centres where the trade of their choice is taught.