An apprenticeship system of one kind or another is operative in a large number of trades, but the information available is insufficient to enable the particulars asked for to be given. In general, the number of youths desiring apprenticeships is believed to exceed the number of vacancies available for them, and in certain trades there are waiting lists of boys. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not aware of any trade of importance which is closed to new entrants.