To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to retain and develop the skills of Clyde shipyard workers.

The Clyde Shipyards Task Force Redundancy Management sub-group will be meeting shortly to provide support as necessary to those affected through a dedicated local response team under the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. This will ensure a rapid response from local agencies in terms of offering advice, support and guidance in terms of retraining/upskilling and employment opportunities.

To retain and develop skills further, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, in partnership with BAE SYSTEMS, established a Real Learning Centre at Scotstoun in December 2002. A similar facility is being established in Govan and will be in place during February 2003. The centres allow staff to take up online learning opportunities and if they wish, work towards qualifications.