asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to bring about the end of restrictive practices operated by the shipbuilding unions, which artificially limit the age of entry to certain crafts.

The age of entry to apprenticeship is fixed by voluntary agreement between the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation and the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions. It is for the parties to the agreement to consider whether any changes are necessary. I hope that they will be prepared to relax age restrictions, particularly for boys who have continued full-time education beyond the normal school leaving age.

Does the Minister remember that he signed the Declaration of Intent on Productivity, Prices and Incomes—[Hon. MEMBERS: "Reading."]—saying that the Government would develop policies designed to get rid of restrictive practices, and does not his Answer show very half-hearted attitude?

Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to help trade unions in their efforts to ensure their own greater security of employment as being probably the best way to get rid of any restrictive practices?

Would the Minister agree that artificially contrived scarcity of labour is one of the surest ways of making British industry uncompetitive?

I agree.