asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will review the assistance available to employers to encourage them to recruit more apprentices for recognised crafts and skills; and

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that grants totalling £82,654 have been allocated to three approved projects in Thanet which provide 62 jobs under the Job Creation Programme. As future allocations are dependent on the number of applications received and subsequently approved it is not possible to provide a forecast.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what projects have been undertaken under the Job Creation Programme in the Thanet area; and what was their cost to public funds.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the information is as follows.if he is satisfied with the number of young persons taking up apprenticeships.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the greater proportion of the £46 million, allocated on 3rd March to support training in industry in 1977–78, will be devoted to the creation of additional apprenticeships and other long-term training opportunities with employers. This further support follows a review by the Commission of existing measures. The level of support takes account of industries' assessments of their longer-term needs for skilled labour, and will ensure the continuation of a high intake of young people into training.