§ 63. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to increase the number of apprenticeships available to boys and girls in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenThe number of apprenticeships in Wales has risen substantially in recent years. In 1961 24 per cent. more boys and 33 per cent. more girls entered apprenticeships in Wales than in 1960, compared with corresponding increases for Great Britain of 11 per cent. and 3 per cent. Nevertheless, the proportion of young people obtaining apprenticeships in Wales is still less than in the rest of Great Britain. This is due at least in part to the nature of the local industry. The Government will continue to encourage industry to make more apprenticeships available. Their policy under the Local Employment Act of steering industrial expansion to areas in need of development should help to increase the opportunities of employment with training.