§ 8. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate steps will be taken to train an increased number of skilled workers for the agricultural industry in the years 1961–65, when 35 per cent. more 15-yearold children are expected to leave the schools than in previous years.
§ Mr. GodberThe industry's own apprenticeship scheme, which has my right hon. Friend's full support, is designed to meet the need for providing young workers with systematic training. This, however, is linked with the wider question of further education in agriculture which was recently reviewed by the De La Warr Committee, the recommendations of which are now being considered.
§ Mr. MallalieuWill the Minister agree that the occasion of the "bulge" is one which should be seized, and is it not far better to have rather more skilled workers than are needed than too few?
§ Mr. GodberI entirely agree that we need as many skilled workers as we can have. I hope that anyone who can will urge members of the industry to support the apprenticeship scheme as much as they can. That is a very valuable way in which to help.