§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to announce the Government's response to the TUC's proposal for grant aid for trades union education and training; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyIn conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, I have offered to the TUC grant of up to £400,000 in the financial year 1976–77 toward approved expenditure on trade union education and training incurred by TUC and by independent trade unions in order to help trade unionists achieve an improved understanding of industrial and public affairs required for the discharge of their role in employment. Expenditure connected with the function of trade union officers will not be eligible for grant. The offer is subject to acceptance by TUC of conditions of grant, to parliamentary approval, as appropriate, of the expenditure, and to the coming into effect of amendments to the Further Education Regulations, 1975, which will be laid shortly.