HC Deb 12 June 1894 vol 25 cc914-5
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state or would agree to a Return stating the total number of youths apprenticed (with payment of premium) to the sea in the Merchant Service during the last 10 years, the total number thereof who have deserted in foreign ports, and the total number thereof who have continued in the Service; and whether he has any reason to believe that in the majority or in any considerable proportion of cases these youths are not, during their apprenticeship, instructed in navigation, but are mainly kept employed on menial services, or on the same duties as boys entered before the mast who earn wages and pay no premium; and, if so, whether he will consider what steps can be taken to secure the more complete carrying out of the true intent of apprenticeship to the profession of the sea?

MR. BRYCE

I regret that I cannot give the hon. Member the information.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the information as to apprentices in general?

MR. BRYCE

I might possibly be able to get the number who have paid premiums, but I should doubt if the figures would be really reliable. I think the hon. Member will find a good deal of information in the Return which is annually presented to Parliament.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I am sorry to press the right hon. Gentleman, but am I to assume that he has no reason to believe that the state of things suggested in the second paragraph of my question exists?

MR. BRYCE

I may hold an opinion on that point as a member of the general public, but as President of the Board of Trade I have no official knowledge on the point which would enable me to act.