§ 19. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the building industry concerning its declining number of apprentices; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend has had discussions with representatives of the construction industry, and he is keeping the matter under urgent review.
§ Mr. JuddI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does he agree that if we are to solve the country's housing problems by building enough houses, it will be necessary not only to have the right positive policies from the Government on the financial front but also to ensure adequate supplies of skilled personnel?
§ Mr. ChannonYes. I am sure that that is right. It is a great pity that 1969, when the hon. Gentleman's party was in power, showed such a significant decline in apprenticeships.
§ Mr. CostainDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that the fall-off in trends in the building industry is due to the disastrous policies of the Labour Party which caused such high unemployment in that industry?
Mr. ChannouI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. The figures for apprenticeships, about which the hon. Gentleman asked, bear this out in full.