HC Deb 24 May 1989 vol 153 cc569-70W
Mr. Lester

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what review he has made of the effectiveness of industry training boards in tackling the level of skill shortages or training needs in their sectors; and what were the results of the review for each training organisation.

Mr. Nicholls

The effectiveness of each industry training board is reviewed every three years at the time of reconstitution. Many industries covered by these boards continue to report skill shortages.

Mr. Lester

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what review he has undertaken of the effectiveness of non-statutory training organisations in tackling the level of skill shortages or training needs in their sectors; and what were the results of the review for each training organisation.

Mr. Nicholls

The effectiveness of non-statutory training organisations was last reviewed during a Manpower Services Commission research study in 1987. The criteria used included monitoring and reviewing key skill requirements and training needs. The report showed that 56 were rated effective and a further 23 partially effective against the full range of the criteria. The report did not rank organisations against each criterion.