HC Deb 23 December 1929 vol 233 cc1903-4
73. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the recent announcement regarding the nomination of apprentices by the Admiralty, whether the Admiralty will consider giving a guarantee of work to apprentices on coming out of their time?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I am not prepared to reduce the number of apprentices to the extent that would be necessary if the hon. Member's suggestion were adopted.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Why does the right hon. Gentleman advertise for apprentices if he is not prepared to give them a guarantee of employment?

Mr. ALEXANDER

This is not a new question. We are bound to advertise for apprentices for the dockyards, but, if we follow the policy advocated by the hon. Member, we should have to restrict severely the number of apprentices.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a new policy to discharge apprentices immediately on coming out of their time?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I think the hon. Member had better consult his OFFICIAL REPORTS.

Mr. W. THORNE

Are all the trade union representatives on the apprenticeship board from Woolwich Arsenal?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I think that question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War.