§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will consider extending the time he has allowed for discussion and consultation, about the consultative document "Training for the Future" in view of the number and complex character of the proposals emerging from discussions in industry and in the training organisations.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkIn his foreword to "Training for the Future" my right hon. Friend said that the Government intend to introduce such legislation as may be necessary in the 1972–3 Session of Parliament, and therefore asked those wishing to make comments to do so as quickly as possible and not later than the end of May. I certainly realise the importance and complexity of the issues raised by the Government's proposals for training, but there is also a need to resolve uncertainty about the future of the industrial training boards and their staff. I think that the present time limit, which allows interested parties up to four months to express their views, strikes the right balance.