HC Deb 28 February 1972 vol 832 cc36-7W
Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he satisfied himself that alternative facilities exist to do the work of the National Institue of Housecrafts, Dan-y-Coed, Swansea when deciding to withdraw grant; and what these facilities are.

Mr. Bryan

The decision to withdraw my Department's grant from the National Institute for Housecraft was taken in the light of alternative courses which have been developed by local education authorities and the major employers of domestic workers such as hospitals and hotels. I understand, however, that the Welsh local education authorities are considering the possibility of taking over the Swansea centre in order to continue its present activities.

Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations were held prior to the announcement that the grant was to be withdrawn from the National Institute of Housecrafts, Dan-y-Coed, Swansea.

Mr. Bryan

Before deciding to withdraw my Department's grant from the National Institute for Housecraft, consultations took place with, amongst others, the Hotel and Catering Industry Training Board, the Local Government Industry Training Board, the Welsh Office, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Social Security.

Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what will be the saving, per head of personnel trained, that will be made by the withdrawal of grants from the National Institute of Housecrafts, Dan-y-Coed, Swansea;

(2) how much money will be saved by the withdrawal of grant from the National Institute of Housecrafts, Dan-y-Coed, Swansea.

Mr. Bryan

The grant which my Department makes to the National Institute for Housecraft, which for the financial year 1971–72 amounts to £46,000, is for the administrative costs of the headquarters organisation of the Institute and is not related specifically to any training centre. I am unable, therefore, to identify that element which relates to the Swansea centre. Expressed in terms of the total number of girls trained at both centres of the Institute, the withdrawal of grant represents a saving of about £380 per head.