§ 28. Major BARNETTasked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to state whether the scheme for interrupted apprenticeships can be extended so as to include young soldiers who joined the Army or the Royal Air Force during the War for a definite period of years, and not merely for the duration?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe interrupted apprenticeships scheme was designed to provide for youths whose apprenticeships was interrupted owing to service during the War, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot extend it so as to cover persons who enlisted on regular engagement for a definite period of years. Certain special cases of re-enlistment have, however, been brought to his notice, and are receiving consideration.
§ Major BARNETTDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that the young man who has broken his indentures, in order to join for a definite period of service, is at least deserving of consideration?
§ Mr. BETTERTONMy hon. and gallant Friend will agree, I think, that there is all the difference in the world between the case of a man who enlisted for the duration of the War and the man who contemplated taking up the Army as a regular profession.