HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 cc188-9
15. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the openings in Lanarkshire for apprenticeships for school leavers have improved following the representations made to the appropriate Ministers in a deputation, and the memorandum submitted, on 13th July, 1955.

Mr. Carr

There has been no significant change in the position. Nevertheless, a considerable number of new industrial projects have been approved for Lanarkshire since 1955, and I hope that in due course these will result in an increased number of progressive openings for young people.

Mrs. Mann

Is the Minister aware that the number of new projects opened up in the industrial estates throughout Lanarkshire provide a pitifully small number of apprenticeship openings? Is there any assurance that such new projects will present more openings in the future?

Mr. Carr

The first stage is the new projects; that is the basis of an expansion in the opportunities which the hon. Lady wants to see. She may be aware that I am chairman of a sub-committee set up by the National Joint Advisory Council last year to study the adequacy in both numbers and quality of apprenticeships and training opportunities generally throughout the country; and, of course, we shall not forget Scotland in our considerations.