§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission on the provision of educational facilities for trade union representatives; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold Walker:The Secretary of State and the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission considered the question of trade union education and training in 1976 and 1977 as in those years grant aid to trade unions was made available from funds initially allocated to the commission. Subsequent discussions have not been necessary since my Department's share of the grant aid is now made available from the Department of Employment's budget.
As my hon. Friend will be aware from the statement made by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Education and Science, in the House on 11th July substantial sums of money are being made available jointly by the Department of Employment and the Department of Education and Science for the purposes of trade union education and training.