HC Deb 19 July 1973 vol 860 cc209-11W
Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations have been made to him for heavy goods vehicle driver training to be included within the Training Opportunities Scheme; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Representatives of various employers' organisations have put forward proposals for providing heavy goods vehicle driver training under the Training Opportunities Scheme. It has been explained that the main responsibility for this as for other training lies with industry itself. The Training Opportunities Scheme aims to meet the needs of individuals and is not intended to supplant the training activities of employers themselves.

I have now decided to make provision for training heavy goods vehicle drivers under the Training Opportunities Scheme so as to enable individuals who wish this kind of training to obtain it. The main responsibility for training heavy goods vehicle drivers will, however, continue to rest with the industry itself.

Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what facilities exist in the several regions for the training or retraining of suitable persons to be heavy goods vehicle drivers.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Format training for the heavy goods vehicle driving licence is provided by group training associations of the Road Transport Industry Training Board, by major employers of heavy goods vehicle drivers and to a lesser extent by commercial driving schools. These facilities exist in all regions.

Courses vary from one to four weeks in length according to the grade of licence aimed at by the trainee and to his personal capacity. The cost of this training also varies widely but is generally about £80-£100 per week.

Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions his Department has had with interested parties in the road haulage industry about future requirements for drivers of heavy goods vehicles; and what forecast has been made of the numbers who will be required by 1976–77.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

My Department has maintained close liaison on future requirements for drivers of heavy goods vehicles with the Road Transport Industry Training Board, on which both sides of the road haulage industry are represented.

The board estimates that because of the high turnover in this occupation about 50,000 additional drivers are needed annually at the present time and that the demand for new drivers may rise to 60,000–80,000 per year after 1st January 1976.

Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will hold discussions with the Road Transport Industry Training Board with a view to increasing the number of unemployed persons as heavy goods vehicle drivers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I have decided to make provision for training of heavy goods vehicles drivers under the Training Opportunities Scheme. This will supersede the scheme for training unemployed people as heavy goods vehicle drivers, at present jointly provided by my Department and the Road Transport Industry Training Board. I am arranging to discuss the new provision with the board.

My aim is to enable individuals who wish to train as heavy goods vehicle drivers to do so. The main responsibilities for training heavy goods vehicle drivers will continue to rest with industry itself.