§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what measures have been taken to promote the development of group training schemes in the engineering industry.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Engineering Industry Training Board takes active steps to promote the development of group training schemes in the industry. There are now 158 groups operating in the industry covering some 6,000 member firms, employing over 1 million people. Five new groups were formed during the last year and many of the existing groups expanded their activities. In the year ended 31st March 1977 the Board made payments of £1,048,000 by way of financial support to groups. These moneys were made available to the Board from public funds. The Board, which regards group training schemes as the most important training resource for the smaller companies in the industry, has in addition assisted groups in planning and carrying out their training services to member firms.