asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of the trainees at skillcentres in 1974 were women; and what increase has taken place in 1975.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the number of women trained in skillcentres in 1974 was 0·51 per cent. of the total trained. The proportion for the first quarter of 1974 was 0·46 per cent. compared with 0·52 per cent. for the first quarter of 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what new courses at skill centres are being offered to women or are being planned.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that all courses at skill centres are open equally to men and women. No new courses are being planned specifically for women but women will benefit from the overall expansion of skill-centre training over the next three years.