§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations he has had with the Industrial Training 275W Board covering the tailor and garment industry, about the need to attract and train school-leavers into this industry, and to initiate retraining schemes for older workers, in view of the shortage in some areas of skilled labour in this industry.
Mr. Chichester-Clark: There are known shortages of skilled workers in tailoring and garment making principally in the London area and mainly for machinists. The Clothing and Allied Products Industry Training Board is taking steps through its working parties and committees and in discussion with group training associations to stimulate interest in the industry and improve recruitment. Adequate training facilities are available in many companies in the area for any suitable entrants who may become available.
In addition, the Youth Employment Service keeps school leavers informed about employment opportunities and prospects in the clothing trades, and I hope that the expansion in training and retraining which my Department has launched will increase the supply of adult skilled workers.