§ 4. Mr. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the first boys to complete the two-year pre-apprenticeship scheme to the building industry came from Ayrshire schools and that considerable difficulty was experienced in absorbing these boys into apprenticeship; and what steps he is taking to see that this scheme throughout Scotland provides a genuine transition from education to industry.
§ Mr. T. JohnstonOf the 16 boys who completed a two-year pre-apprenticeship course for the building industry at Ayr at the end of last session 12 had been absorbed into the industry by the autumn, and 2 into other employment, leaving 2 unplaced. With regard to the second part of the Question, a scheme has been drawn 326 up by the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Labour and National Service in consultation with the Health Departments as a temporary measure to overcome present difficulties in the way of recruiting and employing apprentices. The scheme aims at providing building work for the practical training of apprentices under craft instructors employed by building firms of standing. If boys have to be chosen from among a number of applicants, those completing pre-apprenticeship courses will receive prior consideration. Particulars of the scheme are given in a recent Circular issued by the Department of Health for Scotland, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.