§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what allocation he has made to Enterprise Ayrshire for training for the coming financial year; what is the allocation to the existing equivalent programmes for the current year; what estimate he has of the reduction in training places as a result; what effect it will have on permanent and temporary employees inherited by Enterprise Ayrshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan Stewart[holding answer 15 February 1991]: There is no specific allocation of resources to individual training programmes in the current year in respect of the area for which Enterprise Ayrshire will be responsible for organising Government-financed training provision from 1 April. The allocation of resources for 1991–92 to individual local enterprise companies is a matter for Scottish Enterprise rather than my right hon. Friend. The number of training places to be provided next year in individual local enterprise company areas is a matter for consideration by the relevant local enterprise company, in consultation with Scottish Enterprise. It depends upon a wide range of factors and is not the subject of estimates by the Scottish Office. Staffing complements are also a matter for consideration between local enterprise companies and Scottish Enterprise. However, it is important to be clear that local enterprise companies do not directly inherit any staff. Staff from the Training Agency and the Scottish Development Agency have the statutory right to an offer of employment with Scottish Enterprise. Any arrangements to second staff to local enterprise companies do not detract from that statutory right.