HC Deb 08 June 1982 vol 25 cc39-40W
Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many full-time trainers there are in the food, drink and tobacco industry industrial training board for the year 1980–81; what are the proposed numbers of full-time trainers for the food, drink and tobacco industry industrial training board sector after the statutory status of the board is abolished; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

In 1980–81, the board employed 89 training advisory staff. Information is not available on the total number of full-time training staff who are or will be employed in the food, drink and tobacco industry, but it is believed to be very substantial. A number of training staff will also, of course, be employed by the training organisations that are being set up to replace the statutory board.

Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will postpone the wind-up of the food, drink and tobacco industry training board until non-statutory arrangements are clearly established on a satisfactory basis; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Most of the non-statutory arrangements being set up by employer organisations to replace the food, drink and tobacco industry training board are up to an acceptable standard. Others are making good progress.

In response to representations from some employer representatives in the industry, who suggested to me that the winding up of the board might be delayed by a short period in order to give employer organisations more time to set up their alternative arrangements, this board will now cease to function on 31 December and be wound up on 1 March 1983. I expect to lay the necessary order before Parliament within the next few days.