§ Mr. Parkasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the information and technology and education centre programme and its current and future financing.
§ Mr. TrippierInformation technology centres, like other providers of two-year YTS, have been funded by the Manpower Services Commission on a filled-place basis since April 1986. During the two-year period to March 1988 transitional arrangements will enable ITeCs to reduce their dependence on income from YTS and to diversify further into other activities, such as adult training, beneficial to their local communities. ITeCs have responded well to the transitional arrangements during 1986–87: details of the arrangements for 1987–88 were announced in December 1986. The Department of Trade and Industry is contributing to the support of ITeCs through its funding of marketing and technical support services.