§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has to increase the supply of qualified tradesmen, including mechanics and engineers, to small businesses located in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthThe primary responsibility for training lies with employers, who must recognise that investment in training is essential to ensure the success of their business. This is just as relevant for all businesses, large or small, wherever they are based.
The Government are supporting and encouraging the efforts of employers in a number of ways. In particular, the employer-led training and enterprise councils and local enterprise companies have been charged with helping to ensure that local people develop the skills that businesses need. They also have particular responsibility for promoting the growth of small firms.
Employer-led industry training organisations also have a key role at industry level to develop strategies to meet the needs of particular industries and to work with TECS and LECS to encourage effective training.