Apprenticeship And Training Schemes

8.

Mr. Prentice
asked the Minister of Labour whether he is ready to make a statement on the possibility of introducing a differential training levy on industry in order to stimulate apprenticeship schemes and other forms of training, following the recent visit of some of his officials to France to study the system there.

Mr. Hare
As the hon. Gentleman knows, a study of this whole question is being made, but I am not yet ready to make a statement.

Mr. Prentice
Is the Minister likely to make that statement before the House rises for the Summer Recess? Will he bear in mind that there is a great deal of urgency in this matter, especially as  the bulge of school-leavers begins leaving school in four or five weeks' time? Even though a plan could not be in operation by then, if he made an announcement it might have a moral effect and improve the chances of those school-leavers.

Mr. Hare
I am afraid that I cannot give the hon. Member that assurance. These are far-reaching and important issues which will need plenty of time for consideration.