§ Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour with which industries he has now held discussions on the improvement and modernisation of their apprenticeship and training schemes; and what further discussions are now pending.
§ Mr. HareI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 31st January. The engineering and construction industries, following my discussions with them, are reviewing their apprenticeship arrangements. I have noted with satisfaction the recent decision in principle by the construction industry to reduce the period of apprenticeship in the industry. These two industries are much the largest employers of apprentices and I would expect any decisions they make to have a considerable influence on other industries. Both sides of the electrical contracting industry have decided to make a joint study of apprenticeship arrangements and I am considering the timing of approaches to other industries.