Agricultural Training Board (Hansard, 9 June 1993)

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to make a statement concerning the future funding arrangements for the agricultural training board in Wales; and what plans he has to increase funding levels.

§ Mr. John Redwood
The future funding arrangements for agricultural training in Great Britain were announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 1 April 1993. My Department is having discussions with ATB-Land Base to establish whether additional support should be provided for agricultural training in Wales.
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§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future composition and role of the Agricultural Training Board for Wales.

§ Mr. John Redwood
This is a matter for the directors of ATB-Land Base, who are considering it, in consultation with my Department.

§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the current(a) budget and (b) staffing of the Agricultural Training Board for Wales.

§ Mr. Redwood
The direct administrative costs of the Agricultural Training Board-Land Base organisation in Wales in 1993–94 will amount to about £400,000 with additional overhead costs being borne centrally. There are currently 14 staff employed in Wales some of whom work on a part-time or short-term contract basis.

§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many farming apprenticeships are generated by the Agricultural Training Board for Wales; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Redwood
The agricultural apprenticeship scheme came to an end some years ago with the introduction of the youth training schemes. In Wales the board has continued to run a trainee of the year scheme, sponsored by National Westminster bank, and this draws on young people who are involved in YTS schemes, certificate courses and simply learning on the job interspersed with short courses.

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to secure that the relationship between the Welsh Forum and the Agricultural Training Board in Wales is similar to the adopted arrangements in Scotland.

§ Mr. Redwood
Yes.