HC Deb 13 February 1996 vol 271 c532W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people are now on the modern apprenticeship scheme. [15080]

Mr. Paice

The number of modern apprentices in England and Wales is currently well over 15,000. Because the numbers are growing rapidly, it is not possible to give a precise up-to-the-minute figure.

Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what have been the costs to date of the advertising campaign to promote the modern apprenticeship scheme; and what is the estimate of the total cost. [15079]

Mr. Paice

There have been two phases of advertising promotion modern apprenticeships in the year 1995–96. The first phase ran from September to December 1995 at a cost of £2.425 million.

The second phase runs throughout February this year. The estimated cost is £1.274 million.

The estimate of the total costs is £3.699 million.