§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Employment what satisfactory alternative training provisions is now available in the Middlesbrough area consequent upon the closing of the Middlesbrough skillcentre.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe skillcentre training agency will transfer all the training currently provided at Middlesbrough to Billingham skillcentre which is only 6 miles away and draws trainees from a similar catchment area.
In 1984–85 the Manpower Services Commission provided 1,896 training opportunities for adults in Cleveland. The programme is planned to expand to 2,325 opportunities in 1985–86; and to between 3,600 and 4,100 in 1986–87. There is a wide range of training providers who can deliver these opportunities.
§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many members of the staff presently employed at the Middlesbrough skillcentre will be retained within the Manpower Services Commission.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMiddlesbrough skillcentre currently employs 24 permanent staff. Their future employment within the Manpower Services Commission depends on the individual effect of the various personnel measures now being taken to reduce staff numbers in the skillcentre training agency. A precise assessment of numbers being retained is not yet available.