HC Deb 28 February 1963 vol 672 c1425
5. Miss Quennell

asked the Minister of Education what administrative machinery he has established to effect liaison with the Ministry of Labour in connection with the problems associated with technical education.

Sir E. Boyle

There is regular and frequent consultation between officers of the two Departments.

Miss Quennell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has recently propounded a series of proposals which will materially affect the whole concept of industrial and technical training and education in this country, especially for young people? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that if these proposals are to be fully effective it is essential that the links between the two Ministries should be close, strong and capable of quick, efficient and supple action?

Sir E. Boyle

I quite agree. There is no hard and fast line between technical education and industrial training, and both my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I recognise that there are many problems which must be looked at by both Departments. The recent White Paper was based on the whole concept of a partnership between Government, industry and the education services. I hope that there will be no misunderstanding about this in this House or in another place.