§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average grant from the agricultural training board paid to a farmer employing an apprentice; and what is the comparative average figure paid to a farmer by the Manpower Services Commission for taking on a young person under a work experience on employers' premises scheme; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThe average annual grant paid by the agricultural training board to a farmer employing an apprentice is £145. A payment of £23.50 per week is made to participants in the work experience scheme which is reclaimed by the employer from the Manpower Services Commission. The latter scheme is part of the Government's measures under the youth opportunities programme and the financial arrangements are not directly comparable with the training grant payments made by the board.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received recently asking that consideration be given to the matter of the agricultural training board's finances in general.
§ Mrs. FennerRepresentatives of the agricultural industry have from time to time expressed views on the role and financial structure of the agricultural training board and these are always carefully considered. My noble Friend the Minister of State recently met the chairman of the board to discuss future operating arrangements.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has recently received in connection with the reductions in the current Agricultural Training Board budget and the proposed reduction in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerA number of representations have been received about the reduction in the board's grant in aid for the current financial year. The board is wholly funded by the tax payer and the resources, which are made available to it, must accord with the Government's overall policy of reducing public expenditure. Few representations have been received about the reduction in staffing levels, which is being made in the interests of efficiency and a more streamlined organisation.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what funds from central Government have been made available to the agricultural training board in each of the past 10 years; and what is the estimate of the grants for 1982–83.
§ Mrs. FennerSince Agricultural Ministers assumed responsibility for the agricultural training board in April 1975 the grant in aid has been as follows: 277W
Year and Grant in Aid £ 1975–76 3,261,000 1976–77 4,227,000 1977–78 4,642,000 1978–79 5,257,000 1979–80 6,357,000 1980–81 7,115,000 1981–82 7,000,000 The grant in aid for 1982–83 will be determined in the light of the Government's overall policy on public expenditure.