§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the co-ordination of the activities of the Engineering Construction and Petroleum Training Boards in connection with the creation and build up of offshore oil platform fabrication activity in Scotland.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that a national committee has been set up by its Training Services Agency to look into the co-ordination needed to meet key manpower skill requirements of the industries involved in North Sea oil development and engineering construction. Consideration is being given to the setting up of regional committees, including a committee for Scotland.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action has been taken by the Petroleum Training Board and Rubber and Plastics Training Board, respectively, to prepare for the increase in employment in Scotland due to the geographical proximity to Scotland of North Sea oil fields and the landing of oil in Scotland.
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§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that manpower projections of offshore employment have been prepared by the Petroleum Industry Training Board in consultation with the industry. A drilling technology training centre is being established for senior personnel and rig crew. Training courses are being developed to improve the capability of the available labour force in Scotland. The board is implementing a plan of staff development to meet the predicted needs.
The Rubber and Plastics Processing Industry Training Board is not yet affected by the anticipated increase in employment opportunities arising from the North Sea development.