§ 42. Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what support industry and Government are giving to the international youth skill olympics to be held at the national exhibition centre in August; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CopeThe Government welcome the staging of the international youth skill olympics in Birmingham. It provides a good showcase for British industry to show the skills of its young people to the rest of the world. High standards of skill through quality training are essential if we are to have continued success in the market place in the next decade.
Financial support for the international youth skill olympics is being raised primarily from industry. Sponsorship, in the form of cash, loan of machinery and materials, is expected to raise in the region of £4,000,000.
The Government, through the Training Agency, provide financial support each year to the event organisers, Skill UK Ltd. During 1988–89 this amounted to £120,000 and £60,000 has been allocated for 1989–90. A contribution has also been made towards the cost of renting the national exhibition centre.