§ Mr. Pikeasked the Paymaster General when he expects his Department's considerations of the Manpower Services Commission's review of the industrial language training service to be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierA decision has now been made that the industrial language training service will continue to be funded by the Manpower Services Commission for a further financial year under present arrangements. Further consideration will be given during the year to the range of problems the ILTS is seeking to tackle to offer further guidance on its future funding and management.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Paymaster General what are the reasons for the delay in responding to the recommendations on the future of the industrial language training service; what representations he has received from the Manpower Services Commission about its ability to determine the 1987–88 Budget provision in the absence of decisions on these recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierDecisions on the future of the industrial language training service have required very careful attention in the light of the important issues raised in the recent review. Officials in the MSC and my Department have worked closely in planning how best to allocate funds for 1987–88 while further consideration is given to the future management and funding of the service. The local authorities concerned have been told of the financial arrangements for next year.