§ Mr. Sean Hughesasked the Paymaster General if he has any plans to alter the basis of the construction industry training board levy from £15,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierI have no such plans. Firms whose payroll and payments to labour-only subcontractors amount to less than £15,000 are not required to pay the levy. This exclusion level is one which the construction industry training board has decided is appropriate in the light of the circumstances in the construction industry. It is estimated that it excludes about 37 per cent. of firms in the industry.