§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of resource requirements, over and above those announced, which will be needed fully to transform the MSC into a body able to execute a comprehensive manpower policy.
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§ Mr. John FraserI am still discussing with the commission the implications of the decision to expand its rôle in manpower policy. The commission has now appointed a Director of Manpower Intelligence and Planning who will be examining the question of what further resources the MSC may need for this purpose.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he proposes to ask the Manpower Services Commission to formulate a work creation programme.
§ Mr. John FraserThe commission is already undertaking detailed contingency planning for a work creation programme at its own initiative, with the knowledge of the Government but at this stage without Government commitment.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he proposes to change the line of demarcation between his Department and the MSC in the areas of providing advice on regional economic and industrial development matters.
§ Mr. John FraserThere is no rigid line of demarcation between my Department and the Manpower Services Commission on the provision of advice on regional economic and industrial development matters. We are at present discussing with the commission ways in which it can be fully involved in the development of manpower policy and in advice on the manpower aspects of wider policies.