HC Deb 15 December 1976 vol 922 cc703-4W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration has been given to devising less costly methods of effectively and efficiently training staff; and whether consideration will now be given to the use of printed material and correspondence courses instead of residential conferences.

Dr. Summerskill

The training methods used for staff are as cost-effective as possible. A special unit was set up some time ago to develop self-instruction techniques. The material produced is widely used for Home Office staff, for the police and fire services.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff training conferences have been organised by his Department during each of the last five years; when they were held; and how much each cost in terms of (a) travelling expenses, (b) accommodation expenses and allowances, (c) salaries and allowances paid to participants for their time and (d) salaries and fees paid to lecturers and organisers of courses.

Dr. Summerskill

I regret that the information is not readily available. Several hundred training courses are provided each year in a wide variety of subjects. Travelling expenses, allowances to partici- pants, accommodaion expenses and salaries and fees paid to lecturers and course organisers are all within the limits laid down in the appropriate Civil Service regulations. The number of persons who received training in the 12 months ended 31st July 1976 was as follows:

Induction training … … 566
Vocational training … … 7,052
Management training … … 2,006
Background training … … 980

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff training conferences have been planned by his Department for the foreseeable future; what is the planned subject for discussion at each of them; when they are to be held; and what is the estimated cost of each in terms of (a) travelling expenses, (b) accommodation expenses, (c) salaries and allowances paid to participants for their time and (d) salaries and fees paid to lecturers and course organisers.

Dr. Summerskill

It is expected that the existing pattern of training will continue, subject to the availability of resources and the need for economy in Government expenditure. The cost effectiveness of training programmes is kept under continuous review.