HC Deb 21 February 1984 vol 54 cc691-2
17. Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Science about vocational training.

Mr. Peter Morrison

My right hon. Friend is in regular contact with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science to discuss vocational education and training matters that involve both their interests.

Mr. Sheerman

Does the Minister think that the right way to get a strategy for vocational education in future is not to consult or ask the opinion of the vested interests, which have done great service over past years—such as the trade unions, the Youth Training Board, the Manpower Services Commission, the Association of Metropolitan Authorities and the Association of County Councils—as the Government have done in the White Paper "Training for Jobs"? The Government have introduced the White paper with no consultation. Is that the way to develop co-operation in future?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Gentleman may like to know that my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Employment and the Secretary of State for Education and Science met the ACC and the AMA to discuss those very points—

Mr. Barron

When?

Mr. Morrison

Yesterday. Those points were discussed in a helpful and co-operative way.