§ Mr. Hayasked the Minister of Works what changes are contemplated in the registration of apprentices in the building industry.
§ Mr. EcclesSince the National Joint Council for the Building Industry put into operation a National Apprenticeship Scheme in November, 1945, indentured apprentices have been registered with the Building Apprenticeship and Training Council. The time has now arrived when the industry is able to undertake this work, and from 1st January, 1953, all new apprentices will be registered with the National Joint Apprenticeship Board. Apprentices now registered with the Building Apprenticeship and Training Council will, under the new arrangements, be given the option of transferring to the Industry's Registration Scheme.
The Building Apprenticeship and Training Council will continue its advisory work, and I take this opportunity of thanking the Council and its Chairman, Sir George Gater, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., D.S.O., for their valuable work over a number of years. An adequate intake of apprentices and the furtherance of the opportunities for higher education, particularly by the award of scholarships, are two of the most important matters which the Council will still keep under review. I am confident that the National Joint Apprenticeship Board, on which both sides of the industry are represented, will continue their valuable work with vigour and enthusiasm.