HC Deb 11 April 1984 vol 58 cc257-8W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how long it takes and how much it costs to train a skilled machinist to change from standard general machinery to the use of computer numerically-controlled machinery; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Under the training opportunities scheme, it takes about six weeks in a skillcentre to train a skilled machinist to operate and programme a particular computer numerically-controlled machine, at an approximate cost of £750.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the policy of the European Economic Community regarding provision of funds for the purchase of equipment for the training of disabled people in the use of numerically-controlled machines and computer-aided design equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The Department of Employment is responsible for European social fund matters within the United Kingdom. In general the social fund will provide assistance only towards the running costs of training schemes. This means that capital expenditure, such as the purchase of large items of equipment including computer aided machines, is not covered. However, we understand the fund might meet up to 50 per cent. of the depreciation and rental costs of equipment used for training but only for the amount of time it is being used within the approved period of the application.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if there are any funds available for work in the area of training disabled people in the use of numerically-controlled machines and computer aided-design equipment; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if there are any training centres for the disabled in the specific area of machinists and draughtsmen using numerically-controlled machines and computer-aided design equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.