§ Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he received any representations from industry in Scotland regarding the number of apprenticeship places to be made available for 1981–82; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherMy right hon. Friend has received no representations from industry but he has received a number of representations from hon. Members and individuals about the number of apprenticeship places to be made available in 1981–82, both generally and in particular sectors of industry.
Both the Government and the Manpower Services Commission are concerned at the prospect of a reduction in industry recruitment of apprentices in 1981–82 and we are jointly considering the need and scope for action to supplement the efforts of employers and to increase the number of apprenticeship places.