HL Deb 10 March 1980 vol 406 c539

2.40 p.m.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state how many girl apprentices have been trained in H.M. Dockyards since the inception of the scheme for that purpose.

The MINISTER of STATE, MINISTRY of DEFENCE (Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal)

My Lords, since the inception of the scheme in 1969 a total of 50 girls have completed training as apprentices in the Royal Dockyards and a further 50 girls are under training at present.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask whether he will ensure that careers officers know about this scheme? In view of the Monty Finniston Report, which dealt with the need for more engineers, should not a career in engineering be suggested to girls? I find the greatest opposition among parents because they do not realise what a good career for girls it is.

Lord STRATHCONA and MOUNT ROYAL

My Lords, I quite agree with my noble friend. The dockyards do run recruitment campagins in close co-operation with the local schools and with the youth employment services. All are fully aware that girls are accepted for training on an equal footing with men.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he agrees that the scheme has been a success, in view of the fact that one girl from Uganda, a refugee, was top of all the girls and the boys at Chatham? Surely this shows that it is a worthwhile career for girls.

Lord STRATHCONA and MOUNT ROYAL

My Lords, I quite agree with my noble friend.