§ Mr. Lathamasked the Paymaster General what representations were made to the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Mr. Trippier), when he attended the Confederation of British Industry's conference on non-statutory training organisations, regarding the relationship between the Manpower Services Commission and non-statutory training organisations; and what action has been taken in the light of those representations.
§ Mr. TrippierI attended the CBI's conference for non-statutory training organisations on 3 November 1986 and was impressed by the commitment to training shown by those present. The discussion showed that NSTOs greatly value the assistance of the Manpower Services Commission and that the MSC's statement on the ideal outcomes of the effective NSTO provides helpful guidance.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Paymaster General what is the current level of (a) financial support and (b) practical advice offered by the Manpower Services Commission to non-statutory training organisations; and what are the specific figures for the Pre-cast Concrete Training Industry Association.
§ Mr. TrippierMost of the money non-statutory training organisations receive from MSC is for training grants claimed by employers under the national priority skills scheme. The current value of these grants in the current financial year to date is £6.6 million. Grants received in the current financial year by the Pre-Cast Concrete Training Industry Association total £4,800. MSC staff provide advice to all NSTOs, including the Pre-Cast Concrete Training Industry Association, on a wide range of training matters.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Paymaster General whether he will make a statement on the achievements to date of non-statutory training organisations since the abolition of 16 statutory training boards in 1982; what is the number of such organisations known to his Department; and what proportion of firms they cover for the industries which they serve.
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§ Mr. TrippierNon-statutory training organisations have made good progress since 1982 in securing sound training arrangements across their sectors. NSTOs have a vital role in identifying and meeting current and future skill requirements and assisting their sectors to meet them. I look forward to receiving their action plans for setting and maintainance of standards of competence in response to para 5.23 of the White Paper "Working Together—Education and Training" (Cmnd. 9823). There are 102 NSTOs recognised by the Manpower Services Commission. Information on the proportion of firms NSTOs cover is not readily available.