HC Deb 18 March 1986 vol 94 cc183-4W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Paymaster General what steps he is taking to promote a growth in entrepreneurial skills amongst the ethnic minority population in the inner cities.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[pursuant to his reply, 17 March 1986]: Our Department, through the Manpower Services Commission, is already involved in enterprise training for the ethnic minority population in the inner cities. The commission is currently planning over 100 courses for the disadvantaged in 1986, each of which will probably cater for the needs of 12 to 16 trainees, and these courses will include many members of the ethnic minority population. At my request the commission is now consideration other proposals.

The Government are in the process of setting up eight inner city task forces to help tackle all the unemployment problems faced by residents in these areas. We and the task forces will aim to promote entrepreneurial skills among residents, including members of ethnic minority groups.