HC Deb 20 May 1991 vol 191 cc367-8W
Sir David Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to reinstate the funds available for training if the anticipated increase in contributions from the private sector does not materialise.

Mr. Lang

Decisions about the level of resources available for training through Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise were not based on assumptions about particular levels of contributions from the private sector. Responsibility for negotiating contracts with individual training providers which maximise the value obtained for public funds is a matter for local enterprise companies; and training providers will no doubt have assured themselves of the prospects of securing adequate employers' contributions before entering into the contracts. I understand that contracting between local enterprise companies and training providers for 1991–92 is largely completed.