HC Deb 01 July 1936 vol 314 cc381-2
18. Sir ROBERT YOUNG

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recruitment of young men of 19½ to 21 years of age as fifth-class engine-room artificers is now in operation; and, if so, how many have been recruited, and of the number so recruited how many of them are semi-skilled men and how many of them have served a period of recognised apprenticeship in the engineering industry?

Lord STANLEY

Yes, Sir. Eleven of these men have been recruited, none were semi-skilled, and all have served a period of recognised apprenticeship in the engineering industry.

Sir R. YOUNG

Can the Noble Lorod say what term of apprenticeship has been served?

Lord STANLEY

All these men have served four years' apprenticeship, some of them five years.

Sir R. YOUNG

Is the Noble Lord aware that four years is not a complete apprenticeship?

Lord STANLEY

The hon. Member asked whether they have served an apprenticeship, and I have given him an answer.

Mr. KI R KWOOD

Is the hon. Member aware that the understanding with the engineering industry is that they should serve a period of five years, from 16 to 21 years of age; and is there anything in the reply which contravenes the arrangement made with the trade union and the rest of the industry?

Lord STANLEY

I understand that the arrangement was made by agreement with the trade organisation.