HC Deb 21 February 1984 vol 54 cc470-1W
Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he is giving to closing classes at skillcentres; and if he will list those classes whose future is under consideration.

Mr. Peter Morrison

My right hon. Friend is currently considering the Manpower Services Commission's proposals for a business plan for the skillcentre training agency's operations in 1984–85. The plan does not at this stage identify particular classes whose future is under consideration.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current number of course places available at the Castle Bromwich skillcentre, Birmingham; what, at the latest convenient date, are the number and title of courses being run and the numbers enrolled on each; what is the planned number of places for 1984–85; and whether there are any courses currently unavailable because of a lack of instructors.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Two hundred and forty-eight places are currently available at the Castle Bromwich skillcentre. There were 200 people in training on 16 February on the following courses:

Number
Bricklaying 11
Painting/Decorating 15
Heating/Ventilation fitting 12
Welding (3 classes) 22
Group engineering 31
Engineering inspection 5
Number
Radio and television servicing 11
Industrial electronics test and service mechanics 11
Vehicle body repair 11
Motor vehicle repair 8
Heavy vehicle repair 8
Vehicle spray painting 10
Refrigeration and conditioning (2 classes) 22
Domestic appliance servicing 12
Gentlemens' hairdressing 9
Bench engineering/Machining 2

The amount of training for 1984–85 will depend on the level of demand. No courses are currently unavailable because of lack of an instructor.