HC Deb 14 February 1977 vol 926 cc94-5W
Mr. McGuire

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men, women, boys and girls are unemployed in the Skelmersdale New Town; and what proportion are classed as skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled, respectively.

Mr. Golding

At 13th January, 2,260 males and 884 females were registered as unemployed in the Skelmersdale Employment Office area. Information is not available separately for men, women, boys and girls. I am sorry that the numbers of those who are skilled, semiskilled and unskilled are not available.

Mr. McGuire

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many apprentices there are in the Skelmersdale New Town.

Mr. Golding

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. McGuire

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps the Government are taking to increase the number of apprentices in the Skelmersdale New Town.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that under their programme of special measures to safeguard training in industry, grants to employers who engage apprentices additional to their normal intake are available in Skelmersdale.