§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will make a statement on the need for skill training in the North-West; whether he has considered the CBI survey on this sub- 14W ject; and what plans he has to meet this need;
(2) if he will call together for a meeting all interested parties with a view to discussing the needs for skill training in the North-West in view of the CBI survey on this matter.
§ Mr. Golding:I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it endeavours to take account of skill training needs as a continuing part of its operations. In addition to the contribution of the industrial training boards towards meeting training needs through the companies in their industries, in the North-West some 8,000 places are currently available under the training opportunities scheme. Four new skillcentres are being planned for Manchester, Wirral, Liverpool and East Lancashire, involving an increase of 430 places. The regional Manpower Services Board for the North-West has discussed skill shortages and the CBI survey on 8th December, and the training services division regional general manager for the North-West has arranged an initial informal meeting with CBI representatives to discuss the survey further. I will write to the hon. Member in the light of further developments.