§ 10. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Labour how many applications he has received for training under the Industrial Training Act to date in Scotland.
§ Mr. MarshNone, Sir. It is the responsibility of boards set up under the Industrial Training Act to ensure that sufficient training of an approved standard is provided in their industries in Scotland.
§ Mr. BenceWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that in Scotland at present we are experiencing a shortage of certain skills due to the failure, over the past 13 years, to attract modern science-based industries to Scotland? May we take it that, under the Industrial Training Act, men will be able to get training in Scotland, not for the older industries, but for the newer science-based industries, thus creating a pool of labour in Scotland for the newer industries?
§ Mr. MarshI agree very much with what my hon. Friend has in mind. The Central Training Council has set up a Scottish committee to consider matters arising out of the implementation and operation of the Industrial Training Act. That has particular reference to Scotland, of course, but, in addition, boards may appoint committees for particular areas, and my hon. Friend will be pleased to learn that the Wool Board has appointed an area committee to look after the interests of Scotland in particular. The Government accept the need for special attention to Scottish industry in this connection and they are going some way towards achieving what my hon. Friend desires.