§ 51. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the present degree of unemployment is fast killing the apprenticeship system of this country; whether he is prepared to take any steps to revive it; and, in view of the fact that many lads between 14 and 18, who have never been taught any specific trade, are now drawing unemployment benefit, he will consider the practicability of calling a conference of the trade union representatives and employers generally to make openings for these young men?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have already arranged for an inquiry to be made in the near future with regard to the present state of apprenticeship in the various trades, and as soon as this inquiry is completed I will consider, in the light of the information thus obtained, what action can usefully be taken.