HL Deb 23 May 1990 vol 519 cc1011-2WA
Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many local Training and Enterprise Councils have been set up; and whether the local MP and MEP were invited to the opening ceremony in each case.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment (Lord Strathclyde)

My Lords, operational contracts have now been signed with the first 12 Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs). It is up to each individual TEC whom to invite to their own ceremony.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government: What steps they are taking to promote links between Training and Enterprise Councils and MEPs in order to maximise the receipt of grants from Brussels.

Lord Strathclyde

Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) will consult with a wide range of individuals and organisations within their local community, and there are a number of sources of information about EC funding. MEPs are of course welcome to make contact with their local TEC and I shall supply relevant details on request.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many officials from the Commission of the European Communities they have invited to see Training and Enterprise Councils at work.

Lord Strathclyde

The Commission of the European Communities were informed about the Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) initiative earlier this year. I would welcome discussions with Commission officials about TECs.