§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average waiting time for courses in welding at the training centre at Killingworth, Tyne and Wear; and whether he is satisfied with the situation.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that recruitment for courses in plate welding at the Training Services Agency's skillcentre at Killingworth, Tyne and Wear, has been temporarily suspended because of long420W waiting lists. The average waiting time for courses is 18 months.
There are no plans to expand TOPS training facilities for welders in the Tyne and Wear area. Current training provision is considered to be sufficient to meet the estimated needs of industry.