§ 53. Mr. K. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the progress made towards an agreement between employers organisations and the trade unions on a reduction in the period of apprenticeship training.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe building industry has adopted in principle a four-year period of apprenticeship and effect is being given to this immediately in the London region. It is likely to be adopted elsewhere. At the request of my right hon. Friend both sides of the engineering industry are giving consideration to the reduction of the apprenticeship period. In addition the electrical contracting industry has set up a new committee to review its apprenticeship arrangements. It is of great importance that all industries employing apprentices should consider carefully all possible ways of improving training arrangements.