§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of a young man who, on the outbreak of war, had served six months of his apprenticeship to a plumber: 1617W that he was called up in August, 1914, and has been in service till now; and that he now wishes to resume his training as a plumber, but that he has no means to pay for his living while going through his apprenticeship; and if the War Office can do anything to assist him?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has been called to cases of the kind indicated.
A scheme for assisting these persons, whose apprenticeship was interrupted by service in His Majesty's Forces, to complete their apprenticeship has been approved by the Government.
Among other provisions, the scheme provides:
- 1. For a reduction of the unexpired period of apprenticeship.
- 2. For a State Grant to the apprentice of one-sixth the journeyman's rate as soon as the apprentice has reached the age when, but for the War, his apprenticeship would have been completed.
- 3. For such contribution on the part of employers as will, with the State's allowance, make up the apprentice's wages to not less than five-sixths for the second year.
- 4. For the scheme, embodying these and other provisions, to be drawn up by national industrial councils or by other Committees representative of the industry.
- 5. For a maintenance allowance, under certain conditions, to allow of training in a technical school or institution.
Negotiations with such councils and Committees are now being carried on for the purpose of obtaining their approval.