HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 cc1338-9
15. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Labour what evidence he has of shortages of skilled workers caused by unnecessarily high entry conditions for apprentices being imposed by the union concerned.

Sir W. Monckton

I have no evidence directly associating shortages of skilled workers with unnecessarily high entry conditions for apprentices, but I am constantly urging upon the two sides of industry, who are, of course jointly responsible for the conditions of entry to apprenticeship, the need for greater flexibility in all aspects of this matter, including in particular the age of entry.

Mr. Holt

May I take it from that that the Minister of Labour has not received any evidence of unnecessarily high entry conditions, for instance, in the printing trade, so causing a lack of skilled workers?

Sir W. Monckton

An unnecessarily high condition of entry is, I think, something rather difficult to apprehend. I know that there are particular difficulties in the printing industry, but they are more in regard to numbers than to a high degree of skill on entry.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that to lower the standard of entry would be a policy of despair, which is rejected both by the professions and by industry?

Sir W. Monckton

I am not yet despairing on this matter.

16. Mr. Holt

asked Minister of Labour how far he has had difficulty in establishing Government training courses for skilled workers in areas where there appears to be an industrial need for them.

Sir W. Monckton

In general, no difficulty is experienced in securing the support of both sides of the industry concerned to the setting up of training courses in trades where there is an established shortage of skilled labour which can be met by training in Government training centres.

Mr. Holt

May I ask if the Minister has not had any resistance from, for instance, the A.E.U., in some areas on this matter?

Sir W. Monckton

It is very difficult to particularise. All I can say is that, with the help of the National Joint Advisory Council, I have been putting this matter forward. It depends a great deal, in some industries, on the circumstances in particular areas, whereas in others the matter is dealt with on a national basis.