§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the craft apprenticeship intake in the Armed Forces for 1977; and how this compares with the last three years;
(2) how many craft apprentice places are currently available in the Armed Forces; and how this compares with each of the last five years.
§ Dr. GilbertThe following table shows the planned intakes of Service craft apprentices in the financial years 1972–73 to 1977–78 and the actual intakes in the financial years 1974–75 to 1976–77. It is not yet possible to say what the actual intake will be in 1977–78.
Planned Actual 1972–73 … 2,770 2,670 1973–74 … 2,630 1,520* 1974–75 … 2,590 2,462 1975–76 … 2,450 2,382 1976–77 … 2,600 2,526 1977–78 … 2,540 * Shortfall caused by effect of the raising of the school leaving age working through.