§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure the preservation of a separate district manpower committee for the Isle of Wight; and if he will make a statement on the future of these committees.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that although a firm decision has been made to reduce the number of district manpower committees—DMCs—the boundaries of the new DMCs will not be finalised until later this year. The MSC regional manpower services directorsRMSDs—are currently consulting relevant local organisations on the geographical scope of the future committees and will report their findings to the Commission in the autumn. In framing his recommendations on boundaries, the RMSD for the South-East will take into account the views of those formerly involved with the Isle of Wight DMC.