103. Captain CLAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an apprentice in the merchant service earning £12 a year has 13s. 4d. deducted from his pay, in spite of the fact 2231W that owing to his absence abroad he can obtain no benefit from his contribution; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe total number of contributions payable in any one year in respect of an apprentice to the sea service continuously employed on a foreign-going ship is forty-two, and the employed contributor's share is 14s. If paid apprentices were exempted from liability to insurance for the period of their apprenticeship they could not at its expiry be allowed to enter insurance with full benefits without a loss to their society.