asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is aware of the increasing need of pre-employment and refresher courses to adapt to new techniques and renew skills for women, and especially those in charge of single-parent families when returning to paid employment after a break; and what further action she proposes.

The education service can and does respond to demands for courses for adults, men and women alike, in relation to their present or prospective employment. Course arrangements often take account of special circumstances, as for women with domestic responsibilities. Opportunities also exist for training under the Government vocational training scheme.