§ 20. Mr. R. Gibson (for Mr. Burke)asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements for apprentice-craftsmen who, as Territorials, were called up for service before the completion of their apprenticeship to be transferred, where they so desire, to trade corps where they would have opportunity to make good some of the experience lost?
§ Mr. StanleyEvery effort is being made within the Army to move tradesmen who are not at present employed at their trades into trade vacancies, and many transfers have been carried out with this object in view. In addition, a large number of courses are being given with a view to raising learner tradesmen to a higher degree of skill.
§ Mr. GibsonIn connection with this matter does the War Office take into account the wishes of the man himself who may desire to remain in his fighting unit and not go into a trade unit?
§ Mr. StanleyNaturally, we always appreciate the desire of men who wish to remain in the fighting unit, but the paramount question must be the efficiency of the Army and if the man's presence in a tradesman's job is essential.