§ MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty will he explain why apprentices to skilled trades in the Government Naval establishments are, upon completion of their six years' apprenticeship, when entered as journeymen, paid a rate of pay inferior by 2s. per week to that of other workmen, notwithstanding that in almost every case these apprentices receive at the expiry of their indentures a certificate to the effect that they are fully competent, and that man's work has been performed in the last year of their apprenticeship?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. J. A. CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.Youths who have served their apprenticeship in the Royal Dockyards are, on its completion, entered as probationers on the hired list. As probationers their remuneration is fixed at from 1s. to 2s. a week less than that paid to workmen of more mature knowledge and experience. The superintendents have full power to advance the pay of such youths to the maximum rates of their respective trades as soon as they have shown that their skill and industry entitle them to it.