HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 c353W
125. Sir C. Headlam

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulties confronting British shipowners owing to the shortage of qualified marine engineers; and whether he will, therefore, consider continuing the wartime practice, whereby sea service is counted the equivalent of service with the Armed Forces, and allow men who have finished their apprenticeship in marine engineering works to count the sea time required for sitting for Board of Trade certificates in lieu of compulsory service with the Armed Forces.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 4 and 9 of the White Paper, Cmd. 6831. Engineering apprentices born before 1929 and already deferred as such, will not now be called up. Those born in 1929 and later will be eligible for deferment for the period necessary to complete their apprenticeship. They will, therefore, not come within the field for call-up until 1949 or 1950, and the problem to which the hon. and gallant Member draws attention will be given consideration before it arises in two or three years' time.

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