62. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Minister of Works how many apprentices in the building industry have been notified to the local Joint Apprenticeship Committees; how many of these have been registered; and if he is satisfied with the progress made in clearing up arrears of registration.
§ Mr. TomlinsonAbout 103,000 apprentices in the building industry have been notified to local and area joint apprenticeship committees and about 6,000 have been registered. I am disappointed that greater progress has not been made and I am taking up the matter with the industry.
Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that owing to the deadlock in the operation of 759 this scheme by local joint apprenticeship committees many boys who would, if registered, be exempt from call-up are in fact being called up for the Forces, thereby prejudicing the intake of labour into the building industry; and will he take emergency measures to see that these boys are registered as soon as possible?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI will look into that aspect of the matter.