§ 63. Mr. Idris Owenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions with the construction industry on recruitment and training of manpower for that industry.
§ Mr. AmeryThe discussions held so far have centred on two main aspects: first, local shortages of certain craftsmen and, second, recruitment and training in the longer term. On the first aspect, discussions are continuing to ensure closer co-operation between the industry and the Employment Service, and the possibility of modifying the Employment Transfer Scheme is being considered. A survey is being arranged to assess the adequacy of existing methods of measuring the demand for and supply of certain kinds of skilled labour. On longer-term recruitment and training, I propose to have further talks at a later date in the light of the proposals for industrial training outlined in "Training for the Future".