33. Mr. Milanasked the Minister of Labour how many apprentices are now receiving first year apprenticeship training at Government training centres under the scheme announced on 11th April, 1960; and how many of these are at the Glasgow Hillington training centre.
§ Mr. P. ThomasOne hundred and forty-three, including eleven at the Hillington Government Training Centre.
Mr. MilianThese are surely very small figures in view of the Government's original proposal that in the first instance there should be 300 training places. Can the Minister say what steps are being taken to bring these courses to the attention of employers, particularly in Glasgow, where this sort of thing is badly needed?
§ Mr. ThomasI agree that expansion has been slower than expected. Recruitment proved particularly difficult in the early stages, but should prove easier now that the scheme is established. My right hon. Friend expects to raise the present number of 12 classes to 25 during 1961–62. At Hillington, he proposes to open a further engineering class later this year and the proposal of a class in radio and television servicing has also been put to the trade for consideration.