HC Deb 29 January 1968 vol 757 cc210-1W
33. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister of Labour how many Government industrial training centres are now operating in each region; how many centres existed in 1964; and what increases have been established in costs, the numbers trained and under training, and the numbers in staffs since then.

Mr. Hattersley

Following is the information:—

NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT TRAINING CENTRES BY REGIONS
January,1968 October,1964
Northern 4 3
Yorkshire and Humberside 3 3
Eastern and Southern 4 3
London and S.E. 6 3
South Western 3 2
Wales 2 2
Midlands 4 3
North Western 4 2
Scotland 8 4
Total 38 25
Cost of G.T.C's
1964–65 … … … … £4,660,891
1967–68 (estimated) … … … … £9,107,900

(NoteThese are operating costs and do not include capital expenditure by the Ministry of Public Building and Works.)

Numbers completing training
1964 … … … … 4,410
1967 … … … … 10,620
Numbers under training
October, 1964 … … … … 3,153
January, 1968 … … … … 6,789
Number of Staff (managerial, supervisory and instructional)
October, 1964 … … … … 534
January, 1968 … … … … 965

Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Labour whether techniques of programmed instruction are being used for industrial training, at which centres, and for what trades.

Mr. Hattersley

In Government training centres the first programmes of this type will be introduced at all centres later this year. One of the programmes will be used for all trades, the rest mainly in engineering trades. The Construction, Engineering and Road Transport Industry Training Boards are developing programmes which they will test in their centres as a preliminary to making them available for wider use in their industries. In addition, on the recommendation of the Central Training Council, the Industrial Training Research and Documentation Centre for Programmed Instruction was set up in Sheffield University last year to study and issue guidance on programmed instruction.

Mr. Bishop

asked the Minister of Labour what difficulties are experienced in placing trainee draughtsmen in employment after serving the recognised period of training in Government training centres; and what action he is taking to overcome these difficulties.

Mr. Hattersley

I am not aware of any difficulties, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it.