HC Deb 09 July 1958 vol 591 c374
14. Mr. Owen

asked the Minister of Labour what response he has received from industry and commerce to the suggestions contained in the Carr Report, Training for Skill."

Mr. Wood

The Report has been widely circulated among employers' associations and trade unions. In general, the recommendations call for examination and action within each individual industry, but the Committee considered that there was need for a central body to keep apprenticeship and training arrangements under review. This will be a function of the new council which is shortly to be established and to which I referred in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mr. Moss) on 25th June.

Mr. Owen

While appreciating that the council has still before it the essential suggestion of action, may I express the wish that the Minister will expedite as much as possible the convening of the meeting of the council and its functioning, in order to ensure that the problem of school leavers and employment, which is now growing, will be met as effectively as possible?

Mr. Wood

As regards the meeting of the proposed council, I told the hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend a fortnight ago that it is likely to meet and come officially into being later this month, so it will not be very long delayed. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am convinced of the urgency of the problem, and I am sure the council will be too.