§ 23. Dr. Ernest A. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she is satisfied with the progress the industrial training boards are making in developing group training schemes; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyRapid progress is being made. Over 400 schemes are now in operation and training boards are planning or actively considering proposals for at least another 200 groups.
§ Dr. DaviesDoes my hon. Friend agree that this group scheme gives an excellent opportunity to the small firm to give first-rate training to apprentices and operatives on a par with the large firms? Will he re-emphasise that grants are available to enable such schemes to be launched?
§ Mr. HattersleyI am very happy indeed to do that and to confirm that one of the objects of the 1964 Act was to enable small firms to come together in this way under the aegis of the boards. Grants are available for firms covered by boards, and for those firms for which boards have not yet been created grants may be possible direct from my Department.