§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the number of men recruited by the manager of the Greenock Labour Exchange during his recent trip to Stornoway and other outlying districts; the trade or occupation of the men so engaged; the number of vacancies for labourers which were registered on the books of the Greenock Labour Exchange when the trip was sanctioned; and whether the manager has charged up his expenses incurred in connection with the trip; and, if so, what is the amount thereof?
Mr. BUXTONThe number of lads engaged as apprentices through the instrumentality of the Greenock Labour Exchange is between fifty and sixty, but it is probable that as a result of the arrangements which have been made this number will be gradually increased. The lads so engaged were without prospect of settled employment other than at labouring work. The term of apprenticeship for the lads engaged by this means is for five years, at a rate considerably higher than the standard rate for apprentices in the district, and forms of indenture to this effect have been signed in every case. The vacancies notified were not for labourers, and no labourers were engaged. If, however, my hon. Friend desires, I will make inquiries as to the number of unfilled1502W vacancies for labourers registered at the Greenock Exchange on the date referred to. The expenses of the manager amounted approximately to £20.