HC Deb 18 March 1908 vol 186 c557
MR. BRANCH () Middlesex, Enfield

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that lads who are engaged as apprentices at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, are uniformly discharged on reaching the age of 21, when they have learnt their trade and become competent workmen; and whether he will consider the desirability of discontinuing this course in view of the cost to the State of training these lads, and in the interests of the lads and the parents who have to support them upon small wages during the period of apprenticeship.

MR. HALDANE

There are points connected with this question which are under consideration, and I shall be glad if my hon. friend would put the Question to me again at a later date.