§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people began engineering apprenticeships in the year 1970; what is the comparable figure for 1960; and if he is satisfied that sufficient new apprenticeships are being taken up to replace engineering workers leaving the industry for retirement, and other reasons.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithOf 45,161 boys entering engineering in 1970, 27,859 (62 per cent.) took up apprenticeships. The corresponding figures for 1960 were 52,538 new entrants and 29,050 (55 per cent.) apprenticeships. Although shortages of skilled men occur in various areas and occupations, the general indications are that the industry is obtaining sufficient apprentices nationally for its foreseeable needs.