§ 17. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the case of an apprentice whose time expired while he was on active service and who afterwards goes back to his trade under the agreement come to with the employers' federation, under which he has to work for two years as an improver at reduced wages, he will have to lose the difference between the wages he is to receive and those of a journeyman which he has sacrificed while serving or will the difference be made up to him?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Wardle)The Government are prepared to make a contribution to enable the employer to pay a higher wage than the apprentice would naturally receive. I am at present in negotiation with the national joint industrial councils and other committees representing the various trades, with the object of reaching a satisfactory solution of this very difficult question. I am hoping that a satisfactory solution will be reached shortly.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWill the hon. Gentleman kindly let me have the information as to the result of his negotiations?
§ Mr. WARDLECertainly.