§ Sir R. Youngasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the rate or rates of pay laid down for artificer apprentices in mechanical training establishments; whether such pay is given without deductions, or if deductions are made will he say what they are for and the amounts; whether charities are included; and will he take steps to provide that parents are informed of any deductions and the authority on which they are made?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe rates of pay of artificer apprentices are ninepence a day in their first year, rising to two shillings a day in their fourth year. Deductions are made from pay on account of contributions at the rate of 5½d. a week to Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Insurance, laundry charges, averaging 1s. 5d. a week, and small items such as library subscriptions and admission to social entertainments. The amount of these latter deductions varies but is very small. No deductions are made for charities. In addition deductions are made for repairs to clothing and boots and for articles of uniform purchased but each apprentice receives a kit upkeep allowance of £1 13s. a quarter to meet such charges. The commanding officer of the training establishment is always prepared to answer inquiries received from parents about any patricular deduction.