§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to expand industrial training in Scotland in relation to the North Sea gas and oil industry.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkOwing to the specialised nature of the work, most companies prefer to do their own training. Financial help can be provided under the Government's scheme for assisting new or expanding firms in development and intermediate areas. My Department is also advising companies about our direct training services. Our capacity in Scotland for the training of welders, a trade generally in demand in the industry, is being doubled. I understand that the Petroleum Industry Training Board is consulting with the industry with a view to setting up centres in North-East Scotland which would cover both specialist and ancillary training needs. The North Sea Oil Conference of Government Departments and Local Authorities, convened by the Scottish Office earlier this year, is exploring future needs for training.