§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Education whether the term "beneficial employment," under which children over 13 may, in rural areas, be exempted from school attendance, is intended to include employment at home without wages or employment as a servant in towns?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Runciman)I understand my hon. Friend's question to refer to the condition commonly attached by school attendance by-laws to provisions for the exemption of children from attendance at school for the purpose of employment. The operation of such by-laws is not necessarily confined to rural areas. The Board of Education cannot undertake to give a general interpretation of the expression "beneficial employment." It is for the local education authority to decide, having regard to the facts of each case, whether the employment for which a certificate of exemption from attendance at school is desired is beneficial or otherwise.