Boys (Apprenticeship)

25.

Mr. David Adams
asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now any further statement to make relative to the question of the employment of youths in coalmining, particularly with regard to a scheme of apprenticeship to that industry?

Mr. Grenfell
The problem of ensuring a sufficient number of boys and youths for mining employment, including the question of apprenticeship, is now under consideration by an independent committee under the chairmanship of Sir John Forster. I am unable to make any further statement pending the report of the committee.

Mr. Adams
Does not the Minister agree that, in view of the fuel situation, this matter is very urgent?

Mr. Grenfell
It is receiving urgent consideration now. There are daily meetings on the subject.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay
When is the committee likely to report?

Mr. Grenfell
I cannot say, but it will be soon.

Mr. J. J. Davidson
Is the Minister considering making a recruiting appeal to the public schools and universities of this country?

Mr. Grenfell
I have not considered it.