HC Deb 02 December 1992 vol 215 cc220-1W
Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State fin Employment what proposals she has to improve arid extend employment training schemes in areas directly affected by coal mine closures; and what age groups such schemes will cover.

Mr. McLoughlin

The training and enterprise councils in areas affected by potential coal mine closures have submitted action plans giving their proposals for a range of labour market measures. All unemployed people in areas most affected by pit closures and any redundant miners who live outside them will be eligible for assistance, including training, as appropriate. Local arrangements will depend on final action agreed with TECs.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals she has to increase the availability of statistics on the number of young people seeking a youth training place by district.

Mr. McLoughlin

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Mr. Mitchell) on 1 December 1992,Official Report, columns 127–28.

Mr. Butcher

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what considerations underlie her policy of restricting places on the employment training scheme to unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 49 years; and if she will raise the upper limit.

Mr. McLoughlin

Employment training is open to unemployed people up to the age of 59 who meet the general eligibility conditions. However, those aged 50 and over do not fall within any of the categories of unemployed people who have priority for places. Under training for work, which is to replace employment training from April 1993, age will not be a factor in determining priority.

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