asked the Paymaster General what percentage of the estimated expenditure on adult training at skillcentres by Manchester, north area of the Manpower Services Commission's vocational educational and training group during 1986–87 was authorised following competitive tenders or quotations from other providers of training.

None.All the 1986–87 expenditure on adult training courses in skillcentres in the Manchester, north area of the Manpower Services Commission's vocational educational and training group was authorised following direct discussions between the VETG area manager and the staff in the skills training agency.