§ 3. Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how 920 many boys applied to the Industrial Training Committee of Antigua for apprenticeship training during the twelve months ending at the latest convenient date; for how many such training has been arranged; and what opportunities of learning a trade are planned for the others.
§ Mr. ProfumoDuring the year ended the 31st January, 1957, the Industrial Training Committee received 169 applications for apprenticeship training. The number of applicants selected for training was 42, of whom five have so far been apprenticed. The Committee is trying to find places for the others, but opportunities are limited.
§ Mr. MacPhersonIs there not a remarkable gap between the number of applications and the number who have been placed? Is not five a very small proportion out of a population in the community of 50,000? Can the hon. Gentleman say what avenues are being tried to expand this service?
§ Mr. ProfumoAs I said, the trouble is that the opportunities are limited, but the Industrial Development Board has recently brought into operation an edible oil factory, a cotton ginnery and a small arrowroot factory, and a cornmeal factory will shortly be constructed.