§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to remedy the gap which exists in the provision of training courses in new technology for those who have left full-time education, but have not been out of it for two years or more; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonA wide range of training courses is available in new technology in further and higher education, with private training providers and, for young people, in information technology centres which are currently increasing their scale of operations. There is no general rule which prevents anyone who has been away from full-time education for less than two years from embarking on such courses. This restriction applies only to support under the training opportunities scheme which is directed at meeting the needs of those who have already had a significant period of employment.