§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements have so far been made for the defining and testing of standards of individual competence in the acquisition of craft, technician and professional skills as envisaged in the White Paper "A New Training Initiative: a Programme for Action", Cmnd. 8455; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Manpower Services Commission is working with a wide range of bodies in industry and further education to develop standards of attainment which are clearly defined, widely accepted and cost effective for all key occupations. In the initial stages, particular attention is being paid to engineering, construction, road transport, clerical and office and computer occupations. I am monitoring progress closely.