HC Deb 09 November 1976 vol 919 cc109-10W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Government's scheme involving the collective funding for vital transferable skills relative to vocational preparation for young people has received the support and approval of the Engineering Industry Training Board.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Engineering Industry Training Board has not yet submitted its views on the consultative document "Training for Vital Skills".

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that the scheme relative to training for vital skills could be satisfactorily implemented without further research into the areas where the scheme could be properly introduced; and how many trade associations were consulted on the consultative document, giving the number which approved the Government approach.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, as was acknowledged in the consultative document "Training for Vital Skills", a careful analysis would be required, industry by industry of what occupations involve training in transferable skills and the way these relate to what is known about skill shortages on the basis of available statistical data.

Over 250 employers' and trade associations were consulted. All replies are now being studied and information about the response to the Government's views will be given in due course.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he proposes to implement the proposals for the training of vital skills; and in what legislative framework it is expected to be introduced.

Mr. Golding

The Government and the Manpower Services Commission undertook to reach a decision on the proposals set out in their joint consultative document "Training for Vital Skills" in the light of views expressed on the document. The period of consultation ended on 29th October and the large volume of comment received is being analysed. Once that is done, it will be possible to consider what steps should be taken.