§ 22. Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will initiate discussions with both employers and trade unions with a view to establishing a more radical and extensive approach to training for skilled trades.
§ Mr. GoldingA task group under the Chairman of the Manpower Services Commission which includes representatives of industry is currently examining ways of easing problems arising from skill shortages. I am assured by the chairman that their discussions with employers and trade unions will cover the effectiveness of the existing arrangements for training for skill trades. In addition the Engineering Industry Training Board has set up a working party which is now examining ways of ensuring a continuous and stable supply of vital skills for that industry.
§ 29. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will have discussions with the trade unions and employers' organisations with a view to reducing periods of apprenticeship training and extending the starting date of such training for young people who are unemployed for a period after leaving school.
§ Mr. GoldingA task group under the Chairman of the Manpower Services Commission which includes representatives of industry is currently examining ways of easing problems arising from skill shortages. I have been informed by the Chairman that their discussions with employers and trade unions will cover arrangements for the systematic recruiting of young people into the work force, and I have asked him to ensure that the group considers the question of age of entry to apprenticeships. In addition the Engineering Industry Training Board has set up a working party which 151W is now examining ways of ensuring a continuous and stable supply of vital skills for that industry.