HC Deb 21 October 1968 vol 770 cc197-8W
32. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she is aware that new industry coming to the North-East of England is finding an inadequacy of required skills; and if she will institute an inquiry into the possibilities of establishing new courses in training centres in the region.

Mr. Hattersley

I have no evidence of any general shortage of skilled labour in the North-East, and the number of courses now provided at Government Training Centres in the area is sufficient to meet industry's present needs. To provide for the future we shall be setting up three new centres in the North-East within the next two years; and we are also introducing new trades and modernising some of those already taught.