To ask the Scottish Executive how many Clyde shipyard engineers have been invited to undertake skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.

To ask the Scottish Executive how many Clyde shipyard engineers have taken up places on skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.

To ask the Scottish Executive when Clyde shipyard engineers were first invited to take up places on skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.

Clyde shipyard engineers were first invited to take up skills conversion training courses in February 2002. Forty-six engineers were invited and, to date, 40 have been interviewed. Fourteen have taken places on conversion courses.