§ 8. Mr. P. Wellsasked the Minister of Agriculture how many entries for the agricultural apprenticeship scheme have been notified.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThere are 148 apprentices at work, and 295 young people are waiting to be interviewed or placed.
§ Mr. WellsDoes not this extremely disappointing figure indicate the reluctance of agricultural workers to put their children into an industry which is so badly paid and which lacks opportunities for advancement?
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir, I do not think so. This scheme has been running for only six months. I had the privilege of starting this scheme which, I hope, will be successful. It has been running for only six months, but a start has been made. Incidentally, Kent is one of the counties very interested in this scheme.