§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his current estimate of the number of apprentices in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom; and how this compares with the position five to 10 years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. Jim LesterIt is estimated that there were about 155,000 apprentices employed in manufacturing industries in Great Britain in May 1979. The equivalent figures for May 1974 and May 1969 were about 140,000 and about 230,000 respectively. The figures for 1969 and 1974 relate to establishments with 11 or more employees; those for 1979 have been grossed up to relate to establishments of all sizes. This difference will 9W have had only a marginal effect on the figures.