§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he intends to ensure that there is adequate training for those with special needs in Scotland; and whether the Training Agency will fund the programme of the Scottish Association for Mental Health at the level of 1989's net cost, plus an appropriate allowance for inflation.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 7 June 1990]: The Government offer the guarantee of suitable training through youth training to all young persons aged between 16 and 18 years who want a training placement and through employment training to all persons who have been unemployed for over six months and who seek training. To ensure sufficient suitable placements are available to meet the needs of all trainees including those with special needs, the Training Agency contracts for training places with a wide range of training providers throughout Scotland.
252WThese include voluntary organisations, such as the Scottish Association for Mental Health, with particular interests in providing for specific special needs. The number of contracted places to meet particular special needs is determined by the potential demand for them from people eligible to join either youth training or employment training. The Training Agency does not fund a Scottish Association for Mental Health programme: it contracts with that body through employment training for the provision of training places.