§ 69. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the board wages allowance in the case of orphan apprentices in His Majesty's Dockyard is still fixed at 10s. per week; and if, in view of all the circumstances, he can have the same raised by 50 per cent. at least?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe rate of board wages is as stated. But my hon. Friend has apparently overlooked the fact that war increases are paid in addition. These war increases are 12s. 9d. a week for apprentices under eighteen years of age and 23s. 6d. a week for apprentices over that age, so that apprentices on board wages at present receive a total rate of at least 22s. 9d. a week and may receive as much as 33s. 6d. a week. I am advised that in these circumstances there is considered to be no necessity to increase the board wages as suggested.