§ 11. Dr. WoodcockTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many enterprise agencies are currently operating; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamTwenty six, and a further six agencies are at an advanced stage of negotiation.
§ Dr. WoodcockDoes my hon. Friend agree that enterprise is the key to success in Northern Ireland? How many jobs and how many industrial units are currently being provided by enterprise agency networks in Northern Ireland? Does he agree that it is Conservative Governments who constantly support enterprise?
§ Mr. NeedhamOf course, I agree with my hon. Friend. In Northern Ireland we have 800 units, in which 26,000 people are employed. The key to the success of Northern Ireland's economy is the private sector and the creation of small businesses. In that regard, we have a very good record, which will improve.
§ Mr. MolyneauxDoes the Minister agree that if this agency is to achieve its aims, it must have a skilled work force at its disposal? Can he explain the remark of the Secretary of State for Employment on 27 March? Referring to training credits, the Secretary of State said:
There are no present plans to extend the scheme to Northern Ireland.—[Official Report, 27 March 1990; Vol. 170, c. 215.]
§ Mr. NeedhamWe are just about to launch the Training and Employment Agency, which we believe is the first step in substantially improving the skills of our work force. We have a very good education system and many skills, but we believe that we can do much better. The best way of achieving this is through the Training and Employment Agency. Of course, at some stage in the future we shall consider what further steps need to be taken, and whether we should come closer to the system in the rest of the United Kingdom.