§ 111. Mr. Mossasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now considered the proposal that apprenticeship training centres should be run by local authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodI have received no general proposal of this nature. It was the view of the National Joint Advisory Council with which I agree, that the industrial training of apprentices should remain the responsibility of industry. The need is for the different industries to increase their own training facilities, and I think that the efforts of all concerned should be devoted to this end.
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§ 113. Mr. Mossasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in expanding the intake of apprentices into industry; and what part is being played by the Industrial Apprenticeship Council.
§ Mr. WoodThe number of boys entering craft apprenticeships in the first nine months of 1958 was about 2,000 greater than in the corresponding period of 1957. On the second part of the Question I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Morpeth on 3rd December.