§ Sir HERBERT NIELDasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a young man who had almost completed his apprenticeship as an engineer, being a member of the Territorial Force, was mobilised in 1914, had upon his recent demobilisation secured work as an electrician in an eminent engineering firm but was only employed two days owing to the action of the shop steward, who was not satisfied with his qualifications, and consequently threatened a strike if the firm retained this young man; and whether he will take steps to ensure that young men who have been fighting for their country shall not be placed at a disadvantage on that account by the action of the trade unions or the persons who claim to act as shop stewards, and who have, as a whole, evaded every form of military service?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe case referred to in the hon. Member's question does not appear to have been brought to the notice390W of my Department. The information given, however, is not sufficiently complete for the case to be recognised. If the hon. Member will give me details in regard to the case I will have the matter investigated. In reply to the second part of the question, I have to inform the hon. Member that the schemes' in respect of interrupted apprenticeships are prepared in consultation with representatives of the associations of employers and trade unions in the industry concerned, and that their co-operation is being freely given in this matter.