§ 14. Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many entered apprenticeships in each of the past five years in Scotland.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe total number of persons entering craft and technician apprenticeships approved by the construction, engineering, road transport and shipbuilding industry training boards in the five years, September to August, from 1977–78 to 1981–82 were, respectively, 7,305, 8,607, 8,251, 6,493 and 5,295.
§ Mr. ClarkeDo not those figures show a shameful betrayal of Scottish youngsters? Does the Minister agree that if we ever enjoy an upturn in the economy we might not have the skilled workers to deal with it? Why are the Government betraying Scottish youngsters in this shameful way?
§ Mr. FletcherThe figures for the past three years are encouraging. One must take into account the world recession and, at least as important, the fact that there is a reduction in demand for some traditional craft skills in Scotland and elsewhere because of the introduction of new technology. That cannot be ignored by the hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends.