HC Deb 16 December 1963 vol 686 cc831-3
17. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional steps he is taking to promote interest in the Agricultural Apprenticeship Scheme, in view of the fact that the number of new entrants this summer was 20 per cent. fewer than in 1962.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The number of apprentices placed on farms this summer was in fact about 10 per cent. less than for last year, but I do not think this is necessarily significant or indicates the need for special action. As I told the hon. Member in reply to his Question on 22nd July last, this is the industry's own Scheme, but we give it active support and help to make it known to suitable farmers and farm workers. In the last quarter the number of approved applicants increased substantially over the corresponding period of last year.

Mr. Prentice

I am glad that the decline is shown to be rather less than has been reported in the Press, but does not the Minister recognise that it is a serious matter that there should, be any decline from a figure which was already too low, and at a time when the Government generally are beginning to recognise that they have a new responsibility for training in industry? What does the Minister see as the Government's part in agricultural training, which is supposed to be heralded in the Industrial Training Bill?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

This is an extremely important subject. We want to encourage as many apprentices as possible to come into the industry, but this is a matter for the industry itself. The position will be greatly helped by the passage of the Bill which is now before the House. When it has gone through the House a great deal of help will be accorded to the industry.

Mr. Hilton

But does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the response to the call for young people to enter agriculture apprenticeships is very disappointing over the country generally? Does not he agree that to a large extent the future of British agriculture depends on the number of young people who are trained under this Scheme? The situation in the future will require fewer workers, who must be better trained. Will not the Minister take additional steps to put over to farmers and young workers the importance of receiving better training under this Scheme?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

This is an important Scheme, but the hon. Member ought not to exaggerate too much. I agree that we want as many trained apprentices as possible coming into the industry. As I said in reply to his hon. Friend, the Bill which is now going through the House will materially help in this regard.

Mr. Peart

Is the Minister aware that my hon. Friend is not exaggerating the importance of the Scheme? The Government should be pressing as hard as they can. A complacent reply like that which the hon. Member just gave is unworthly of him.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I am far from being complacent, as the hon. Member knows. I am saying that this is a matter for the industry.

Mr. Peart

It is not.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

We are helping as much as we can, and the industry will be greatly helped by the Bill which is now going through the House.

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