§ 15. Viscount CURZONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that the manning of the mercantile marine by efficient navigating officers is of primary importance to this country and an obligation resting on his Department, he will lay before the House, for the information of its Members, the statutory requirements of the Board of Trade relating to the training of apprentices; and whether, in view of the clause contained in apprentices' articles of indenture, namely, that the said apprentices shall be taught the duties of a seaman, he is satisfied that such training is being efficiently carried out?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThere are no statutory requirements of the Board of Trade relating to the training of apprentices. As far as I can judge, the efficiency of the training varies considerably. In some cases complaints have been made that it is not satisfactory. In others it is admitted to be thorough and efficient. The indenture is a contract, and the Board of Trade has no power to intervene.
§ Viscount CURZONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think the training of apprentices should be on the owners, rather than on the masters of ships?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am not sure what my Noble Friend means by that. Under contracts of apprenticeship, instruction is to be given by the master. The chairman of directors cannot go to sea to instruct apprentices.