§ Mr. FALLEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in August, 1914, three dockyard apprentices, who had previously joined the Royal Engineers (Territorial) with the sanction of the dockyard authorities, were called up for service within one week of the expiration of their apprentice time; if he can say if these men have remained apprentices ever since and drawn apprentice pay; if they are to remain apprentices until they can return to the dockyard and serve one week more; and if he will induce the Treasury to remedy this state of things and place these men in their proper position as shipwrights?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts are substantially as stated. The position of apprentices who have joined the Colours has been the subject of careful and repeated consideration, and the rules applicable to them are common to the whole body of Government employés. It is not proposed to reopen the question as to the amount of civil emoluments payable to them whilst they continue to serve in the Army. I may perhaps add that on return 137W to their dockyard duties at the close of the War these apprentices will be dealt with as if the time served with the Colours had been served in the dockyards.