HC Deb 19 February 1980 vol 979 cc119-20W
20. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent discussions he has had with the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress about the provision and and improvement of industrial training; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jim Lester

My right hon. Friend has had no recent discussion with the CBI and TUC on this subject, but has had discussions with the Manpower Services Commission in which he has made clear the view that there is scope for improving the effectiveness of our industrial training arrangements to meet the skill needs of the 1980s. My right hon. Friend welcomes the fundamental review the MSC is now making of our industrial training arrangements and looks forward to receiving the report of its review in July.

33. Sir John Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of people attending a Government training scheme find employment within six months of leaving that scheme.

Mr. Jim Lester

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that about 70 per cent. of ex-trainees completing courses run under the training opportunities scheme during 1978–79 were in employment three months after completion of training. The figure varies considerably as between different parts of Great Britain and different types of training.