HC Deb 24 February 1981 vol 999 c737
11. Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will increase the use by his Department of private training organisations for industrial training and re-training where these organisations provide courses at costs equal to, or less than those of skillcentres.

Mr. Peter Morrison

It is already the policy of the Manpower Services Commission to use private training organisations as opposed to skillcentres for craft training where the standard of training, the comparative costs and the demand for skills justifies it.

Mr. Durant

Although I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to tell me why the MSC has withdrawn support from all the principal private training establishments in the construction industry, when it is well known that there is a shortage of skills in that area?

Mr. Morrison

My hon. Friend might like to know that another of my hon. Friends has brought this matter to my attention as regards Booths training. He does so from the point of view, I believe, of the Brick Development Association. I have asked for the comparative figures. I shall look at the matter very carefully, because we do not want skill shortages in the construction industry. In addition, we must have regard to the expenditure of taxpayers' money.

Mr. Frank Allaun

What will the Government do to provide jobs for the 16 to 65s?

Mr. Morrison

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government are following a successful economic strategy, which will bring real jobs, and not the false jobs that the Labour Government brought between 1974 and 1979.

Mr. Needham

Although I accept the importance of private training for industry, will my hon. Friend confirm that if and when the Employment and Training Bill becomes law, the Government will ensure that skill training—should training boards disappear in any industries—will be continued in those industries at a proper, high level?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. That is something that my right hon. Friend will have to take into account when he decides whether any particular training board should continue.

Mr. James Hamilton

The hon. Gentleman is aware that the textile industry is in a deplorable state. Does the hon. Gentleman know that I had word this morning from one of the big companies in my constituency to the effect that the industry suffers from a serious shortage of skilled technicians? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that in the industry's opinion, that is one reason why it is in such a bad state? Will not the hon. Gentleman reconsider the situation as regards the provision of finance to those industries? At the same time will he restore the cut of £77.5 million to the Manpower Services Commission?

Mr. Morrison

I was not aware that the hon. Gentleman had received that message from a company in his constituency. I shall be happy to look into that particular case. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will do likewise.