asked the Paymaster General what level of financial support for information technology centres he proposes for 1985–86 and 1986–87.

In the financial year 1985–86 the Manpower Services Commission has made provision amounting to £24 million towards the cost of the information technology centre programme. The level of financial support in 1986–87 will be dependent on the outcome of a detailed review of the programme which is currently in progress.

asked the Paymaster General if he will take steps to safeguard the training capacity of information technology centres.

A comprehensive review of the information technology centre programme is nearing completion. I cannot anticipate what conclusions will be reached. However, ITeCs have been invited to plan for 1986–87 on the assumption that the Manpower Services Commission will offer, nationally at least, the same number of youth training scheme places as at present.