HC Deb 18 November 1919 vol 121 cc356-7
28. Mr. DONALD

asked the Minister of Labour the amount of money paid up to the present by the Government to employers of labour in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales towards increases to apprentices who had their period of apprenticeship broken during the War?

Sir R. HORNE

The total amount so paid up to 31st October, 1919, was £85,873. The figures for the four countries separately are not available.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will do everything in his power to re-establish the apprenticeship system in this country on pre-war basis; and is he aware that it was only because of that system that British trade has the name it has throughout the world?

Sir R. HORNE

The Ministry of Labour is doing everything in its power to encourage apprenticeship.