§ 39. Mr. CHRISTIEasked the Minister of Health what powers public assistance authorities are authorised by his Department to exercise in relation to the apprenticeship of young persons?
§ Sir K. WOODPublic assistance authorities are empowered by Section 59 of the Poor Law Act, 1930, to bind as apprentice any child whose parents are not able to maintain him. This power includes the power to pay an apprenticeship premium, but Article 122 of the Public Assistance Order, 1932, requires that, in the case if a person of 16 years of age or over, the premium shall not take any other form than that of clothing or tools for the use of the apprentice. The exercise of these powers does not require my approval.
§ Mr. CHRISTIEIn view of the shortage of skilled workpeople, will the right hon. Gentleman consider amending the order, so as to empower public assistance authorities to pay money towards premiums of apprenticeship as well as give money for tools and clothing?
§ Sir K. WOODI will consider that suggestion.