§ 61. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Labour what facilities exist in his Department for studies of the present requirements of apprenticeship in industry; and what steps he has taken to effect a reduction in the length of apprenticeships in the light of the improved standard of education of present-day apprentices.
§ Mr. GunterI look to the Industrial Training Boards to review the apprenticeship requirements of their industries. I shall expect the boards to fix the length of courses in the light of training needs. In the meantime, my Department is continuing to urge industry to consider reducing the length of apprenticeship, particularly for boys who have stayed at school beyond the minimum training age, and I am glad to say that a number have done so.