asked the Minister for Labour if any figures are available as to the number of apprentices required nationally each year in each of the following trades (1) electrical (2) fitter (3) building (4) printing (5) plumbing (6) welding, and (7) painting; the normal method of recruitment; and the educational standards required for these trades.

The number of apprentices required nationally each year is determined by the apprenticeship co-ordinating committee in AnCO. The requirements in the specific trades listed by the Deputy are determined by reference to existing recruitment trends and the likely increases or decreases in demand for such apprentices as dictated by the level of economic activity in individual sectors.

Where there tends to be a falling off in apprentice recruitment by individual employers. AnCO on the advice of the committee endeavour to make up the shortfall by recruiting unsponsored apprentices for off-the-job training in their own training centres.

Individual employers recruit their own apprentices by direct application from young persons, selection from schools, advertising in the press and recruitment through the National Manpower Service. AnCO recruits their unsponsored apprentices through the National Manpower Service subsequent to advertising in the national press.

The statutory minimum educational qualifications are at least grade D in any three subjects at group or intermediate level. Exemptions may be granted in certain cases.