§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many places will be available in the current year on short industrial courses; and what is the gross cost of the programme and the cost per place.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that plans provide for approximately 26,400 young people to complete short industrial courses in the financial year 1978–79 at an 509W estimated gross cost of £20.5 million and an average total cost, inclusive of allowances, of £776 per place. Provision of short industrial course places for adults will be determined as the year progresses in the light of local demand and spare capacity. The number of adults completing short industrial courses in this financial year is likely to be about the same as in 1977–78, that is, 10,000 at an estimated total cost per place, inclusive of allowances, of £1,200.