asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of boys leaving school in the northern region during 1960 took up apprenticeships; how this compares with 1957; and what are the respective figures for the whole country.

In northern region, 40·1 per cent. in 1960 compared with 42·2 per cent. in 1957. For Great Britain the figures were 36 per cent, in 1960 and 36·6 per cent. in 1957. The higher percentages in 1957 relate to a smaller number of school leavers. In 1960, when the percentages were only marginally less, there were more school leavers and a substantial increase in the numbers getting apprenticeships.