§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to publish his asessment of skill shortages in Wales and the impact of the single market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAs part of my Valleys programme, a skills survey is being undertaken by the Training Agency, and my Department will be in close touch with the agency and with the Welsh Development Agency to ensure that appropriate action is taken to meet any training requirements which are revealed. This is part of a continuing review of the situation throughout Wales under which my Department maintains close liaison with the Training Agency on the range of Government training measures designed to provide young people, the unemployed and existing employers with the skills which employers need, taking account of the move towards the single European market. The greater involvement of employers, through the establishment of training and enterprise councils, will ensure that training is even more responsive to the needs of local labour markets.