HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc9-10
22. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to introduce better industrial training as advocated in the National Plan.

Mr. Gunter

I am pressing ahead with the establishment of further industrial training boards as well as with the expansion of Government training centres. I am also making grants directly and through the training boards towards the cost of courses for training officers and I am proposing to expand the facilities for training instructors.

Mr. Longden

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him to assure the House that he is getting the fullest co-operation from management and unions in this matter?

Mr. Gunter

I think that I can give that assurance to the hon. Gentleman.

23. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Labour what steps his Department is taking to put new zip into British industry as advocated in the National Plan.

Mr. Gunter

The National Plan contains a check list of action required. My Department is getting on with all those matters for which I have a responsibility.

Mr. Longden

Is the Minister aware that the phraseology of this Question is taken from the National. Plan, but that it is not the case that all of British industry needs new zip being put into it? However, since this can be said of much of industry, particularly the printing industry, has the right hon. Gentleman any plans for putting in that zip?

Mr. Gunter

I have plenty of plans all right. I think that at the back of the hon. Gentleman's mind are many of the restrictive practices which are alleged to exist in many industries. The removal of then, from both the employers' side and dm workers' side, is a matter which will take some time.