HC Deb 02 February 1982 vol 17 cc122-3
11. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by what date he expects to be able to bring forward legislation to implement the youth training scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The implementation of the youth training scheme will not require legislation by my Department. We have asked the Manpower Services Commission to launch the scheme by the autumn of 1983.

Sir William van Straubenzee

Although it is peripheral in the White Paper, does my hon. Friend consider that, from earlier supplementary questions today and generally, an important constituency consideration for many of us is the updating of the apprenticeship schemes, especially for qualifications and time served? Is he satisfied that that proposal, which I appreciate will not be enforced until 1985, can be implemented without legislation?

Mr. Morrison

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says about the need to update apprenticeships. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I shall do everything within our power to get away from time-serving and on to standards.

Mr. Grimond

Can the Minister assure the House that he is in constant touch with the voluntary and unofficial bodies in the area, which have long experience, and that their experience will be used?

Mr. Morrison

I assure the right hon. Gentleman and the House that I am in touch with the voluntary organisations, as are my right hon. and hon. Friends. They have an important part to play in the implementation of the youth training scheme and I shall do everything that I can to ensure that they are properly consulted on the matter.

Mr. Barry Jones

Can the Minister tell the House when we might debate this important scheme? If there is a crisis in the availability of apprenticeships, why is he going forward with the abolition of many training boards?

Mr. Morrison

The timing of a debate on the youth training scheme is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, or the Leader of the Opposition if he chooses to use a Supply day for the purpose. As to a crisis in apprenticeships, the hon. Gentleman is surely aware that we are supporting 35,000 first-year apprentices this year, at a cost of £50 million, which demonstrates that we have the matter very much under control.