§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on skill shortages in the road haulage industry. [16189]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe road haulage industry is a wholly private sector enterprise. It is responsible for ensuring that it is able to recruit the personnel it needs. Government are helping through the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund which has earmarked £5 million for training, to help the industry meet its future labour and skills needs. A feasibility study looking at ways to protect employer investment in training will begin shortly. Two further schemes, to increase the number of young people joining the industry, are expected to begin in the spring next year.