39. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian apprentices are currently serving in Royal naval dockyards and other naval establishments; and what will be the future policy towards such apprentices following the recent rationalisation of naval support operations.
§ Mr. JuddOn 1st January 1976 there were 3,145 civilian apprentices serving in the Royal naval dockyards and 266 in other naval establishments. There are no plans to reduce the number of apprentices and those serving at Royal naval establishments due to close as a result of the reductions referred to in Chapter VII,128W paragraph 14, of the Statement on the Defence Estimates, 1976, will be given the opportunity to complete their apprenticeships in the trade of their choice elsewhere.