§ 5. Colonel NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the need for revision of the apprentice system in the mercantile marine. both from the view of the boy himself and of his parents; that the parent has in most instances to pay a premium of up to £50 in order that the boy may serve a term of engagement of three or four years for a total remuneration of about £40; that the apprentice is supposed to be taken in hand by one of the senior officers and thoroughly grounded in seamanship and navigation; 230 and that in many cases this is not done, and the apprentice is kept cleaning brass and shifting coals for excessive hours and given no chance of acquiring the knowledge which will allow him to pass his examination as second mate; and whether stricter supervision can be exercised by his Department to see that such practices are put an end to, and that the apprentice receives value for the premium his parents pay?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware that complaints have been made against the system of apprenticeship in the mercantile marine on the lines indicated in the question, but I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Consett Division, on 7th March, dealing with this matter.