Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the high price of tools, he can see his way to recommend that higher grants be made by the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee to discharged sailors and soldiers under 21 years of age who are finishing their apprenticeship to trades in which they have to provide their own tools?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware that grants for tools under the Civil Liabilities Scheme have been found insufficient. These grants are assessed locally by experts. So far as apprentices are concerned, provided that their applications are made within the prescribed period, they are entitled to grants equally with other ex-service applicants, but as in all other cases, the whole of their circumstances must be taken into consideration. My information does not indicate any general complaints on the score of inadequate grants to apprentices for tools, but I shall, of course, be happy to have any individual complaints investigated without delay.