HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 c1888
111. Sir PETER GRIGGS

asked the Minister of Labour what provision has been made to meet the cases of demobilised apprentices returning to complete their unexpired apprenticeship agreements; and whether they are compelled to do so on their old pre-war term conditions?

Sir R. HORNE

A scheme for assisting those persons, whose apprenticeship was interrupted by service in His Majesty's Forces, to complete their apprenticeship, has been approved by the Government. Among other matters the scheme provides

  1. (i.) For a reduction of the unexpired period of apprenticeship;
  2. (ii.) For a State grant to the apprentice of one-sixth the journeyman's rate as soon as the apprentice has reached the age when, but for the War, his apprenticeship would have been completed;
  3. (iii.) For such contributions on the part of employers as will, with the State's allowance, make up the apprentice's wages to not less than three-quarters of the journeyman's rate for the first year of training and to not less than five-sixths for the second year;
  4. (iv.) For the scheme, embodying these and other provisions, to be drawn up by National Industrial Councils or by other Committees representative of the industry;
  5. (v.) For a maintenance allowance, under certain conditions, to allow of training in a technical school or institution.
Negotiations with Industrial Councils and Committees and Trade Union representatives are now being carried on for the purpose of finally fixing the terms.