HC Deb 07 April 1977 vol 929 cc688-9W
Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what industrial training schemes are supported by the British Overseas Trade Board; how many persons were involved in such schemes in the last financial year; and what is the relationship between the schemes, and those taking part in them, and the British Over seas Trade Board.

Mr. Meacher

The British Overseas Trade Board provides some financial support for two industrial training schemes for overseas students. These are the CBI overseas scholarships scheme which offers practical training in British industry to graduate engineers from Commonwealth and developing countries; 57 scholars were received in 1976–77; the Institute of Directors group visits scheme, which brings groups of final year students of industrially orientated subjects from universities in Europe and Latin America for short-term visits to United Kingdom firms and institutions. 1,167 students came in 1976–77.

The schemes are managed and administered by the CBI and the Institute of Directors respectively. The British Overseas Trade Board is represented on the governing bodies of the schemes.