§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has for adequate funding of the basic training and the further education of young entrants to the construction industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe Government take the view that the prime responsibility for industrial training should rest with industry itself. They will, however, continue to provide limited funds through the Manpower Services Commission's "training for skills" programme to supplement434W the resources of industry in certain key areas. Sums are being provided to the construction industry training board in the current financial year for this purpose; very largely in support of the initial craft training of young entrants to the industry. The Manpower Services Commission has yet to discuss with the construction industry training board the level of its support in the 1980–81 financial year.
I do not propose to make a statement in advance of the outcome of those discussions.