HC Deb 05 June 1967 vol 747 cc622-3
52. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the continuing shortage of skilled labour in Scotland, he will take further steps to increase the availability of training facilities, in particular by industry itself.

Mr. Hattersley

The increase of training facilities within industry is now largely the responsibility of the industrial training boards, which are urgently developing their work in Scotland. The training of adults for skill is, however, normally carried out by the Government training centres, of which Scotland has at present seven, with 1,019 training places, and will have nine with 1,365 places early in 1969.

Mr. Hamilton

Is my hon. Friend aware that those figures are not very satisfactory, although one recognises that they are a considerable increase over the figures for two years ago? What are the factors which account for the tardiness of private industry in the provision of increased training facilities, and will he consider giving further incentives to industry to that end?

Mr. Hattersley

I understand my hon. Friend's concern and have some sympathy with his general point of view, but I cannot subscribe to the view that private industry has been tardy in developing industrial training in Scotland. Many of the industrial training boards have opened Scottish branches and many training boards have gone out of their way to create group training schemes in Scotland. I am sure most training boards are doing all they can to improve the level of training in Scotland.

Mr. G. Campbell

Are there any plans for further expansion of the nine training boards in Scotland?

Mr. Hattersley

We are examining the possibilities for expansion, but I am sure it will be agreed that from one in 1963 to nine in 1969 is a record of which the Government can be proud.