HC Deb 12 November 1985 vol 86 cc137-8W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the progress of adult training strategy.

Mr. Trippier

The following table sets out the annual incidence rates per 100,000 trainees on the youth training scheme, separately for major and fatal accidents, for 1983–84 and 1984–85 calculated on the basis of the average number of trainees in training.

Mr. Trippier

In addition to pursuing the adult training campaign and measures to improve the operation of the training market, we have made good progress in making our adult training programmes more relevant to current and future skill needs. In order to develop the job creation potential of small firms and enterprise, we have now asked the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission for proposals to focus adult training programmes more sharply on the needs of small firms, on promoting enterprise and self-employment and to further promote and exploit the advantages of open learning.