§ Mr. Moneyasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many indentured apprentices in the engineering industry he has been informed are likely to lose their places as a result of the proposals of Newton Chambers and Company to close down Ransomes and Rapiers at Ipswich; and what alternative opportunities to complete such apprenticeships are available in the Ipswich area.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithI understand that as a result of the closure proposals, 72 indentured engineering apprentices are likely to lose their places at Ransomes and Rapier Ltd., Ipswich. As no redundancies are proposed to take effect before November, it is difficult at this stage to254W give information on opportunities for completion of apprenticeships. However, local officers of my Department and the Youth Employment Service will give every assistance possible in association with other interested organisations.