HC Deb 21 October 1971 vol 823 cc890-1
34. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he contemplates an industrial training board for the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bryan

My right hon. Friend has deferred further consideration on this question until he has completed his review of industrial training.

Mr. Johnson

I wonder why the right hon. Gentleman has done this? Does the Minister know that we have the best fishing development in the world? Is it not ludicrous to leave the training of our workers in the fishing fleets on a voluntary basis? Does the hon. Gentleman not know that the White Fish Authority could advise him if he would care to ask the Authority's advice?

Mr. Bryan

Being a neighbour of the hon. Member I am aware of the splendid advantages which the industry in Hull and thereabouts has. We have in mind the whole question of the training board, but the hon. Member will probably agree that while we have not a complete review of the whole training board system it would be ridiculous to embark on any new board till we know the final position.