§ Sir J. Edenasked the Secretary of State for Employment approximately how many foreigners are at present employed in the hotel, restaurant and catering trade; and what steps have been taken in the last few months to attract school-leavers into the trade by training and other special schemes.
§ Mr. John FraserThe only accurate information for these industries as a whole is that derived from the census, and I regret that the relevant information collected in the 1971 census is not yet available. I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that grants have been made available to the Hotel and Catering Industrial Training Board, as to all industrial training boards, under364W the arrangements announced recently aimed at maintaining the level of training within industry. Persons under 19 are also eligible for support on short courses, under the training opportunities scheme, at skillcentres, colleges of further education and employers' establishments. These provide a broad introduction to employment in particular occupations, including catering and hotel work.
I have indicated to those concerned with employment in these industries that in considering what arrangements should be made for the recruitment of foreign labour next year full account will have to be taken of the current unemployment position.