HC Deb 08 June 1982 vol 25 c12
12. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the railway preservation projects currently in receipt of help from Manpower Services Commission schemes.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, there are a number of schemes of this kind, and if my hon. Friend wishes to know about support for particular railway preservation societies I shall make the necessary inquiries.

Mr. Adley

Does my hon. Friend accept that these schemes can provide worthwhile employment and training for many people, particularly young people? Is he aware that some of the schemes in which I have been involved have had different attitudes taken to them by different MSC offices in various parts of the country? Will he try do do something to co-ordinate the response that various preservation societies are likely to get if they make a standard application for assistance?

Mr. Morrison

I was glad to hear my hon. Friend say that these schemes play an important role, and I agree that they provide good jobs for the people involved in them. I shall make sure that the commission views each scheme on its merits, but, as my hon. Friend will be aware, there will in some cases be more places available under the community enterprise programme than in other cases.

Mr. Whitney

Will my hon. Friend seek the view of our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport on whether the survival of ASLEF and its tenacious adherence to working practices established in 1919 should properly be classified as a railway preservation project?

Mr. Morrison

I shall make sure that the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is drawn to my hon. Friend's point.