HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc5-6
11. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Labour what discussions he has had with employers and trade union leaders in the printing industry on setting up an industrial training board in that industry.

Mr. Gunter

My programme for setting up industrial training boards has been approved by the Central Training Council and does not provide for early action on the printing industry. I have not, therefore, entered into detailed discussions on this subject with the organisations concerned.

Mr. Hamling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that technical teachers engaged in the industry whom I met recently are very anxious that steps should be taken in this direction?

Mr. Gunter

We are indeed concerned about the printing industry, but, as my hon. Friend knows, we must deal with this matter in terms of priority; and we are moving at a very rapid pace indeed.

Mr. Howe

Would the Minister agree that the training boards can play a very useful part in eliminating restrictive practices as between unions—demarcation difficulties, for example—and would he not also agree that this is an industry in which it is particularly important to reduce the demarcation difficulties as quickly as possible, which is a good reason for making every haste in this matter?

Mr. Gunter

That point confirms my thoughts on this matter and I therefore agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman.