§ Judy MallaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to secure the continuation of the Strategic Training for Apparel and Textiles programme after June 2002. [72205]
§ Stephen Timms[holding answer 24 July 2002]: The Strategic Training for Apparel and Textiles (STAT) programme offers financial support to companies in the textiles and clothing sectors towards the costs of training in support of strategic business change and is currently being funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.
I am aware of a number of expressions of support from the industry for the programme to continue and the Department is currently in discussion with the Department for Education and Skills, which now has lead responsibility for training of the employed, to consider the case for a follow on programme.