§ 49. Mr. Waddingtonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the take-up of the grants available to employers in the assisted areas who are prepared to undertake the retraining of unemployed persons over the age of 45 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BryanThe number of applications received from employers under this scheme has not been as large as I had hoped. In 1971 grants were offered in respect of the training of about 800 workers. I expect the total to rise as the measures which the Government have taken to stimulate the economy have their effect.
§ Mr. Raisonasked the Secretary of State for Employment in how many cases in the years 1970 and 1971 unemployed 407W workers were required to undergo retraining in lieu of continued unemployment or supplementary benefits.
§ Mr. BryanSuitable unemployed workers are encouraged to apply for vocational training but claimants for unemployment benefit or supplementary benefit are not required to undergo a course of vocational training as a condition for the receipt of benefits.