§ 31. Commander Keransasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what will be the age limits for entry under the mechanician apprentice scheme mentioned in the Explanatory Statement on the Navy Estimates; and whether he will give additional information on the matter.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingEntry will be open to young men between 17½ and 23, i.e. those who have remained at school beyond the normal apprentice age. We aim thus to obtain suitable candidates who can be assimilated after five years intensive training into the skilled manpower eventually available from the artificer apprentice and mechanic entries. The recruitment of artificer apprentices will remain at about the present level.
§ Commander KeransWhile welcoming this excellent scheme, may I ask whether my hon. Friend can say if these apprentices will be on a higher pay structure?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingYes, Sir; when they first start they will be paid £6 9s. 6d. a week all found.