§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decisions have been taken about the future status, funding and operation of the Agricultural Training Board following the consultation exercise that took place last month.
§ Mr. GummerThe consultation exercise generated a very high level of response. The important role played by training groups was highlighted, but there was some criticism of the current ATB operational structure. Overall, there was no clear consensus in the comments received in favour of the package of changes proposed or continuing with the current arrangements. Nevertheless, it was apparent from the comments that some further restructuring and rationalisation of the ATB would be appropriate. In the longer term, I consider that the industry's training needs could be best serviced by an industry training organization—ITO—that is independent of government. However, there remain a number of issues to be resolved before I can confirm details of the changes.I will make a further announcement in due course.
Government funding from MAFF will reduce to £2.6 million per year and will in future be directed primarily towards core ITO activities. These include the identification of training needs, developing and setting standards and the promotion of training within the industry. In addition, some funding will be directed towards local training support activities. There will be some scope to vary these arrangments in different parts of the country to meet specific local needs. It will be for the ATB board to take decisions on the future structure of the ATB and the nature of any local representational arrangements in the light of the Government and commercial funding available to it.