§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what monitoring of the construction industry training boards' equal opportunities policy is undertaken; and whether it is his policy to refer discriminatory practices to the Equal Opportunities Commission.
§ Mr. NichollsThe construction industry training board is periodically reviewed in accordance with the Government's established procedures on the control and accountability of non-departmental public bodies. In addition the board's corporate plan and other policy statements are discussed fully with my Department, and the day-to-day activities of the board as an approved 769W training organisation for YTS are monitored and subject to review. Action would be taken if discriminatory practices were discovered, and individual complaints would be taken up with the board with reference to the Equal Opportunities Commission if appropriate.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether discriminatory employment practices are considered grounds for withdrawing Government support from the construction industry training boards.
§ Mr. NichollsThe construction industry training board funds most of its activities from a levy on the industry. In cases where the CITB receives funds from my Department (for example, as an approved training organisation for YTS) the board must abide by the terms and conditions of its contract with the Department, including our equal opportunities requirements, as well as the provisions of the relevant legislation. Failure to do so could result in termination of the contract.