§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Employment which privately operated apprentice or training schools were closed in 1972 or are to be closed in 1973 on Merseyside.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkMy officers are not aware of any such closures in 1972 or of any proposed closures in 1973 on Merseyside.
§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what publicly organised apprenticeship courses are now available on Merseyside; how many are fully taken up; and what new courses are envisaged.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkThe provision of apprenticeship facilities is the responsibility of industry assisted by industrial training boards and apprenticeship councils. My Department does of course provide, under the Training Opportunities Scheme, training courses for certain skills in the construction, engineering and automotive group trades.