4. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Labour how many school-leavers registering at Merseyside employment exchanges for work as apprentices in the engineering industry have been unable to be placed by his Department.
§ Mr. WatkinsonSeventy, Sir, of whom forty-five are doing other work while waiting for vacancies. Sixteen out of the total are under submission for suitable vacancies.
Mr. WilsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in Merseyside, where there is a growing shortage of skilled labour of various kinds, his own Department has had to confirm that not enough vacancies are being created by employers for these apprentices? The unions in the area are extremely concerned. Will the Parliamentary Secretary do his best with the employers to bring to their attention that it is an extremely shortsighted policy not to be taking on more apprentices at this time?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. I did not realise that so many boys could not get placed in craft apprenticeship, and I will certainly look into the matter.