Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in the light of the statement from the Prime Minister that it is the intention of the Government to expand training facilities in view of the increase in unemployment, he will review the decision of the Manpower Services Commission to close down the skillcentre at Darlington.
§ Mr. Jim Lester[pursuant to his reply, 8 August 1980, c. 404]: No. The decision to close Darlington skillcentre is a matter for the Manpower Services Commission, and I am informed by the commission that confirmation of the closure decision was only agreed at its June meeting after further consultations with local interests. There are plenty of other underused facilities in the area, and discussions have confirmed the adequacy of access to, and availability of, alternative facilities for most people who might have used Darlington skill-centre.