§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many apprenticeships were notified in the Medway Towns in the years 1974 to 1977 inclusive; and what is the anticipated number in 1978.
§ Mr. Golding,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 21st June 1978; Vol. 952, c. 208], gave the following information:
The available statistics do not enable me to give a precise reply. However, I am informed by the Careers Service that during the past few years in the Medway area recruitment of apprentices in the engineering industry has risen from about 140 in 1974 to 280 in 1977, and it is expected to be in the order of 300 to 350 in 1978. We have no firm figures for other industries.