§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will undertake a thorough survey of users and potential users of skillcentre graduates in each area in which a closure has been proposed by the Skillcentre Training Agency, including in the survey a question as to the respondents' views on the proposed closure; and if he will publish the results in the Official Report.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe success of skillcentres in meeting the needs of employers is already monitored 465W through regular surveys of people completing courses under the training opportunities scheme. We see no need to burden employers with yet more official paperwork.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to instruct the Manpower Services Commission to consult local authorities and Members of Parliament before finally approving the closure of skillcentres.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Manpower Services Commission is itself representative of local authority interests, as well as employer, employee and professional education interests. Members of Parliament have the opportunity to make representations in the usual ways about the skillcentre training agency proposals, including through the Select Committee on Employment which is currently considering them.