HC Deb 12 June 1952 vol 502 cc378-9
16. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to overcome the shortage of apprentices in the building trades.

Sir W. Monckton

Information about the careers offered by the building trades is made generally available to suitable boys in the course of vocational guidance given through the Youth Employment Service, and vacancies notified to the Service for apprentices in these trades are brought to the notice of all such boys who are likely to be interested in them.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister aware that a critical situation is now developing in this matter, that only about 25 per cent. of the required number of apprentices are coming into the building industry, and that in London alone we need 4,000 apprentices a year? This is causing great anxiety both to the employers and to the trade unions concerned.

Sir W. Monckton

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works that an intake of 22,000 apprentices a year is necessary, that the current intake is only about 18,500, and that the matter has been referred to the National Joint Council, which is concerned with it.