§ Mr. GLYN-JONESasked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention had been called to the fact that, of 1,344 students attending the Tottenham Polytechnic and evening continuation classes, 312 work at their employment between fifty and fifty-five hours, 113 between fifty-five and sixty, thirty-nine between sixty and sixty-five, twenty-two between sixty-five and seventy, and eight between seventy and seventy-five hours per week; and that, of the 1,344 students, 316 do not reach their homes before 7.30, 124 before eight, and sixty-one before 8.30; whether he can state if these conditions are general throughout the country; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation for the provision of continuative education which will place no strain upon the mental or physical powers of young people?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe particular facts with regard to the students in the technical and evening schools at Tottenham 1347 were first brought to my attention by my hon. Friend. I think it may be taken for granted that similar conditions prevail in many parts of the country, with the exception that the distances between the homes of students and the places where they are employed are probably greater in London and its neighbourhood than in most provincial towns. The question how best to secure opportunities for such instruction under conditions which may render it effective without imposing a strain upon the pupils which may render it more harmful than beneficial is at present engaging my attention.