HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 cc44-5W
Mr. Tom King

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he intends the training opportunities scheme will start operating.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The scheme will begin to operate as from 7th August. Its purpose is to offer an increased range of full-time courses to individuals who wish to train for new employment. The scheme will continue courses at present available under the Government Vocational Training Scheme and extend the range to include certain courses of further education lasting 12 months or less which are available in further education establishments or private colleges. The increasing number of areas in which courses will be available will be of particular benefit to those whose mobility may be restricted such as some disabled people and married women returning to work after raising a family.

My right hon. Friends the Education Ministers have consulted the bodies concerned in the education service about these arrangements which are intended to enable a start to be made on an interim basis at the beginning of the coming academic year.

Further details of the scheme are available from my Department.

Mr. Tom King

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress he estimates has been made towards his target under the training opportunities scheme of training 60,000 to 70,000 men and women by 1975.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

14,870 people were trained in the first six months of 1972, compared with about 18,000 during the whole of 1971. At that rate, at least 30,000 will be trained during 1972. I am pleased with the progress already achieved, which is well on target.

Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were trained under the Vocational Training Scheme in the first six months of 1972 or to the latest convenient date; how this compares with the equivalent period for 1971; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

14,870 men and women completed training during the first six months of 1972, compared with 9,474 during the first six months of 1971. The introduction of the Training Opportunities Scheme, announced today, is expected to stimulate further demand for courses.