§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider introducing a system by which youths in West Africa and the West Indies could receive industrial training in their Colonies and then be brought to this country for some months for experience in British workshops; and whether any consideration has been given to an apprenticeship system, under proper regulations, in the West Indies and West Africa?
§ Colonel StanleyIn West Africa and in most of the West Indies there are already in existence schemes of apprenticeship training in various Government Departments, and in West Africa apprenticeship training is also provided by certain mining and commercial companies. This training is regulated by legislation. There is, too, a considerable number of West Indians and West Africans employed at munition factories in this country. But these are mostly older men, some of whom came here to assist the war effort while others were already living here. There are, however, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, considerable difficulties at present in the way of bringing youths to this country for industrial training. Nevertheless, I should be prepared to consider, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and with Colonial Governments, the possibilities of adopting such schemes when circumstances permit.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the apprenticeship system in the West Indies? Will he pay particular attention to it?