§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what are the Government's proposals for the future of the Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestry Industrial Training Boards; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyIn company with Agricultural Ministers I have today seen representatives of the National Farmers' Unions, the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers and the Training Board to present to them Government proposals designed to help the Board to develop its work in co-operation with the industry. These proposals provide for the reconstitution of the Board's Area Committees in close consultation with employer and employee organisations concerned; for strengthening the rôle of these Committees and for an alternative means to the levy for financing the Board in future. I have asked the organisations concerned to consider these proposals as a matter of urgency. At the same time my right hon. Friend has decided to lay before the House shortly a levy Order to enable the Board to finance its work for the current year.