§ 4. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many Open Tech projects are now in being.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Employment (Mr. Peter Morrison)The Open Tech programme has now expanded to 75 projects. It will offer training opportunities for 25,000 supervisors and technicians in 1984–85 and twice that number in 1985–86. It is a fine example of what the Government are doing to promote training opportunities in this important field.
§ Mr. ColvinMy hon. Friend's answer shows clearly that the Open Tech has completed its pilot stages with flying colours. Will he confirm that its courses are complementary to other training initiatives taken by the Manpower Services Commission and to efforts being made by the Department of Education and Science to bring forth initiatives in training such as the pick-up scheme? What discussion is there between my hon. Friend's Department and the Department of Education and Science to ensure that there is no wasteful duplication and overlap in vocational education and training?
§ Mr. MorrisonI know that my hon. Friend was present at the birth of the Open Tech, and I am grateful to him for the interest that he has taken in it so far. As he said, it has been a success. I assure him that it is intended to complement the pick-up and other schemes run by the Department of Education and Science. I am in contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science to ensure that that is the case.