§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he intends to take in the light of the Manpower Services Commission's latest report on the training of stone-masons, wrought-iron craftsmen, lead-roof craftsmen and thatchers, and other skills essential for the preservation of the heritage.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am writing more fully to the hon. Member indicating that, while I cannot offer the prospect of new initiatives by my Department or the Manpower Services Commission at a time when we are seeking to consolidate public expenditure on our training programmes and to focus on the achievement 127W of key training objectives, training in some of the skills he mentions is available through new entrant training schemes operated by the Council for small Industries in Rural Areas.