§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if a new local Manpower Services Commission organisation will be established to assess the needs of employers when the changes in the funding of further education, as outlined in the Government White Paper, "Training for Jobs", go ahead;
(2) by what means the Manpower Services Commission will conduct negotiations between employers, colleges and local education authorities when the changes in the funding of further education, as outlined in the Government White Paper, "Training for Jobs", go ahead.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonIn the White Paper, the Manpower Services Commission was asked to consult as a matter of urgency on appropriate machinery at both national and local level to carry out its enhanced responsibilities.
Officials of the Manpower Services Commission are now seeking views from interested parties. I hope that all of those concerned will take the opportunity to contribute their views.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if courses commissioned from colleges will be chosen from the colleges' existing prospectus when the changes in the funding of further education courses as outlined in the Government White Paper, "Training for Jobs", go ahead;
(2) if the Manpower Services Commission will seek to establish new courses or radically alter existing ones when the changes in the funding of further education, as outlined 475W in the Government White Paper, "Training for Jobs", go ahead; and if he is satisfied that sufficient time is available to develop curricula.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonOfficials of the Manpower Services Commission are currently seeking views from interested parties on how and what provision for vocational education and training at non-advanced levels should be supported. I hope that all of those concerned will take the opportunity to contribute their views. The White Paper makes clear that reasonable continuity of provision will be maintained as regards both location and types of course. It is intended that expenditure plans should be settled well in advance of the academic year starting in September 1985 so that colleges of further education can take them into account in planning future activities.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Employment if the Manpower Services Commission will seek to approve new courses through the existing course approval mechanism of the regional advisory councils and Her Majesty's Inspectorate when the changes in the funding of further education, as outlined in the Government White Paper, "Training for Jobs", go ahead.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonOfficials of the Manpower Services Commission are currently seeking views from interesting parties on the particular role that these and other organisations could play under the new arrangements. I hope that all of those concerned will take the opportunity to contribute their views.