HC Deb 13 February 1980 vol 978 cc676-7W
Mr. Torney

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider strengthening the Agricultural Training Board and extending its activities to include the training of workers in the poultry section of the industry.

Mr. Wiggin

The Agriculture Ministers for Great Britain will be reviewing all relevant aspects of the Agricultural Training Board in the light of the Government's conclusions on the current review of the ITB sector being undertaken by the MSC.

The ATB already provides training for workers in poultry production enterprises and certain related activities. Enterprises engaged wholly or mainly in poultry processing unrelated to poultry production come within the scope of the Food, Drink and Tobacco Industry Training Board.

Mr. Torney

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the importance of agriculture to the United Kingdom economy, he will review the proposals to cut the size of the Agricultural Training Board and to cut the programme of activities.

Mr. Wiggin

The chairman and all 26 members complete their terms of office on 31 March, 1980 and my right hon. Friends are at present considering the views of industry organisations concerned on the future size and composition of the board.

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