§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the contribution which an increase in expenditure on training would make to reducing the trade deficit in the foreseeable future.
Mr. JacksonI am replying as training is a matter for my Department.
The existing substantial investment by employers and Government in training makes an important contribution to Britain's competitiveness, but the crucial factor in creating a world-class work force is the effectiveness of that investment.