§ 27. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour in what skilled trades there is a shortage; for which craft apprenticeships it is intended to train more workers; what was the increase in apprenticeships last year; by how many it is intended to increase the number of apprentices this year; what is the purpose of the suggested training boards; and what is the estimated annual expenditure on the implementation of the Carr Report and other ancillary proposals of his department.
§ Mr. HareFor several years past there have been general shortages of draughts-men and of skilled workers in the main engineering, vehicle building, construction and woodworking occupations. Although they have eased during the past year these shortages will again become serious with a revival of economic activity. The number of apprentices taken on results from the decisions made by individual employers. 7,500 more young people entered apprenticeships in 1962 than in 1961. Without establishing a precise target I expect the increased numbers to be maintained in future. The purpose of the training boards is to improve the quality and 1346 share more evenly the burden of training, and to relate the numbers trained more realistically to long-term needs. The implementation of the Carr Report proposals lay primarily with industry but the Government has made a grant-in-aid of £75,000 to the Industrial Training Council to assist the development of training.