HC Deb 31 January 1966 vol 723 c669
28. Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to encourage the recruitment of apprentices and investment in laboursaving plant in the building industry.

Mr. Boyden

As to apprentices—improving welfare facilities, shortening the length of apprenticeship, better training and career prospects—which are mainly the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

As to plant—exhibitions, leaflets, lectures and film shows, and encouragement, for example, of winter building devices.

Mr. Channon

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that by far the best encouragement for these things is to get a state of confidence back into the building industry? Is he not alarmed at the latest state of trade inquiries announced by the National Federation of Building Trades Employers which show that a very large proportion of firms expect to carry out less work next year than this year?

Mr. Boyden

We are doing very well in encouraging confidence in the building industry.