§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many apprenticeship training places were available in industry during 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82; what representations have been received by his Department concerning places for 1982–83; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonFull information is not available, but Manpower Services Commission estimates suggest that the number of first-year apprentices recruited in412W 1979–80 was about 100,000, and in 1980–81 about 85,000. The commission currently estimates that the number recruited in 1981–82 is about 60,000, and we have made funds available to support up to 30,000 of those. My Department has received no specific representation about training places for 1982–83.