§ 47. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the number of boys in training establishments for a seagoing career is growingless every year; what is the cause of this; and what steps are being taken to encourage more boys to take up this training.
§ Mr. MarplesThere has been a fall in the numbers of boys in the training schools, mainly because, as the average size of ships increases, the number of men needed for the Merchant Navy tends to fall. Present recruitment is adequate to meet the needs of the shipping industry.