§ 2. Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the progress being made to establish better links between schools, training and industry in Wales.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. Wyn Roberts)A network of eight advisers, operating within local education authority boundaries, has now been appointed. They are actively encouraging all employers in their areas to participate in creating new or strengthening existing links with educational establishments and to contribute towards the prime objectives of providing work experience for all young persons before they leave school and business experience for teachers.
§ Mr. JonesIn view of the close relationship between economic and industrial development, and the special training needs of the work force, does the Minister now agree that the responsibility for education-industry links and special training in Wales should be transferred to the Welsh Office?
§ Mr. RobertsWe have anticipated the hon. Gentleman to a large extent, in that my right hon. Friend and the Welsh Office have a responsibility for training in Wales and work closely with the Training Agency. We are actively involved with the training advisory group in setting up training and enterprise councils.
§ Mr. RogersIn examining the link between industry and training, will the Minister consider carefully some of the activities in the Polytechnic of Wales—an institution of which I am proud, having been chairman of the governors for eight years? With the publication of the National Audit Office report this weekend, will the Minister find out whether other senior people in the polytechnic have been involved in activities in which taxpayers' money may have been wasted?
§ Mr. RobertsAs a former chairman of the governors, the hon. Gentleman knows full well that responsibility for staffing lies with the local authority and that dealing with the two cases involved is and has been a matter for that local authority.