HC Deb 14 January 1964 vol 687 cc14-5
23. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many local authorities have training schemes providing day release for their clerical officers under 18.

Mr. Corfield

No figures are available but I understand that it is the general practice in local government to provide day release for junior staff.

Mr. Boyden

Should not the figures be available In view of the Industrial Training Bill, is not it time that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government organised a training department to find our what is going on, and to stimulate and co-ordinate training?

Mr. Corfield

I do not think that it necessarily follows that because we do not have a regular report there is no knowledge of these matters. The Local Government Examination Board carried out a survey in 1960 as a result of which it was revealed that nearly all local authorities with a population of more than 100,000 operated this scheme, as did about three-quarters of those with populations under that figure. The balance were mainly small authorities with very little demand.

Mr. Boyden

Surely the Ministry has a particular rôle to perform in respect of the smaller authorities? If the Government are to put a high standard on industry in respect of training, surely it is up to the Government also to have a high standard?

Mr. Corfield

As a result of this survey, consultations are going on with the representative bodies of the grades concerned with a view to tightening up conditions of service, should that prove appropriate.