10. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of the recommendations contained in the Working Party Report on Cotton.
§ Mr. MarquandI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given last Monday to the hon. Member for Darwen (Mr. Prescott).
Mr. Scott-ElliotIs my hon. Friend aware of the great importance of getting employers to take action, and does he not recognise that it will be very difficult to get them to do so until the Government make their mind known on this question?
§ Mr. MarquandMy right hon. and learned Friend said that he would announce the decisions at as early a date as possible. I am sure that he intends to do so.
§ 68. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the report of Dr. F. C. Toy, a director of the British Cotton Industry Research Association, pointing out that the industry is in danger of losing its position unless great progress in technical training is made during the next few years; and what proposals he has in mind to meet this situation.
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir. I entirely agree with Dr. Toy's remarks on the importance of technical training. The Government and other authorities already provide many facilities for training, and improvements are constantly being intro- 1027 duced. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is actively extending the scope of the Training Within Industry scheme, and in the field of management we have recently announced the Government's intention of setting up an Institute of Management. It is for firms and individuals in the industry to take full advantage of the facilities offered, and I am glad to see that the number of people taking technical training courses is increasing considerably. I hope that Dr. Toy's remarks will stimulate further progress.
§ Mr. SutcliffeWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that financial assistance from the Government will also be necessary?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir.