§ 67. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement as to the settlement of a policy of education and training with the British Transport 205W Commission as required in Section 4 of the Transport Act, 1947.
§ Mr. BarnesSection 4 (3) of the Transport Act requires that in the exercise and performance of their functions as to training and education, the Commission shall act on lines settled from time to time with my approval. After a thorough examination by a special Committee of the Commission and the Executives of the facilities already available, and of the extent to which they should be widened and improved, the Commission submitted to me in April, 1949, proposals as to the lines on which they should proceed. I approved these proposals. They provide a comprehensive scheme for vocational training, background training, voluntary training and further education which I am satisfied will do much to further the efficiency of the staff of the Commission's undertakings. The scheme has the approval of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. The trade unions concerned have expressed their general agreement with its principles, and the Commission have announced their intention of giving the fullest opportunity through joint machinery for consultation with the staff on matters affecting it.