HC Deb 27 February 1973 vol 851 cc1272-4
16. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the number of school leavers who were granted apprenticeships in the engineering industry in Scotland in the years 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 to the latest available date.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

In Scotland in 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972 respectively, 2,061, 1,863, 1,500 and 1.344 young people under 18 entered apprenticeships in the enginering industry as their first jobs on leaving full-time education. Figures for January 1973 are not yet available.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the number of apprentices entering the engineering industry has shown a marked depreciation? Is he also aware that some very large companies in Scotland have not employed apprentices for over three years? Are the Government prepared to carry out an inquiry and, if my information is correct, try to encourage these industrialists to employ young people as apprentices?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I made an inquiry about a particular large firm in the hon. Gentleman's constituency within the last few days. It is true that it has not been taking on apprentices but the apprentice school is still open. The engineering industry was particularly affected by the decline in economic and industrial activity in latter years. As a result, there has been a sharp fall in the number of apprentices. We have taken action in other spheres, notably in sharing with the industrial training boards the costs of apprenticeship places and so on, to contribute towards the maintenance of an adequate future supply of trained craftsmen. There are other methods which apply particularly to Scotland as an assisted area.

17. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the Confederation of British Industry in an effort to increase apprenticeships for school leavers.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The Confederation of British Industry has been fully consulted about the plans for the future of industrial training, including apprenticeship training, which were announced by my right hon. Friend on 8th August and 22nd November 1972. It is also represented on the National Youth Employment Council which keeps opportunities for school leavers under regular review.

Mr. Cox

Notwithstanding that reply, is not the Minister aware that, despite repeated promises in the House, the opportunities for young people to enter apprenticeships continue to decrease? Is he further aware that in London, for instance, we now have one of the highest weekly redundancy figures for any region of the country and a continuous decrease in apprenticeship opportunities? When will he discuss with hon. Members constructive opportunities for young people to enter worthwhile apprenticeships?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I should have thought that there would be a good deal of opportunity to do that with the introduction of the Bill which my right hon. Friend announced today—and I am very glad that he did. As for London, 27.9 per cent. of boys entering employment in 1972 went into apprenticeship as against 38.7 per cent. in Great Britain as a whole. The level, however, is counterbalanced by a higher entry of clerical employment and employment of other kinds with planned training.

Miss Joan Hall

In his talks with the CBI and the TUC, what discussions has my hon. Friend had about increasing the opportunities for girls in apprenticeships, since the position at the moment is very bad?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The number of girls entering apprenticeships has increased steadily from 16,000 in 1970 to 18,000 in 1972. So that is a rather better story.