§ 44. Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Employment what reply has been sent to the city of Hull 352W district council concerning its letter to him on the problems facing apprentices declared redundant before finishing their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonA reply to the letter from the chief executive of the City of Hull district council, dated 9 June, will be sent in the near future. The Government share the council's concern about the growing numbers of redundant apprentices. However they consider industry, supported by its national training organisations, to be primarily responsible for arranging and financing apprenticeships. Public funds have been made available to augment industry's effort in placing redundant apprentices in their training trade. I am considering the Manpower services Commission's request to increase the current provision in view of the growing numbers of apprentices who are being declared redundant.
§ 50. Mr. Sainsburyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he expects there to be an increase in the number of apprenticeships funded through the Manpower Services Commission in the current year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Manpower Services Commission expects with funds currently available to maintain, in the 1981–82 training year, last year's level of support for 25,000 long term training places. In view of an anticipated reduction in apprenticeship recruitment in 1981–82 I am considering the Manpower Services Commission's request to increase this provision.