HC Deb 17 November 1981 vol 13 cc148-9
4. Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will review the level of cash reserves held by the industrial training boards.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Peter Morrison)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Warren

I thank my hon. Friend for that brief reply. Will he return to the subscribers the £30 million paid to the boards which were so wisely abandoned yesterday? Will he also ensure that the £50 million cash reserves of the remaining boards will be promptly employed to train people who want training now rather than held to earn interest year after year as they have in the past?

Mr. Morrison

As my right hon. Friend made clear yesterday, the Government will pay the balance of the net winding-up and operating costs of the boards that are to be abolished by March 1983. The reserves of the boards will go towards paying the operating costs and winding-up costs. When we come to examine the levy proposals for the boards that are retained, we shall take into account the reserves and ensure that they are used for training.