HC Deb 16 March 1939 vol 345 cc584-5
48. Major Whiteley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what is the total number of employés released during working hours for instruction in technical, commercial, or art schools, for the latest period for which figures are available; and what are the industries or occupations in which the practice is most common?

Mr. Lindsay

In the 12 months ended 31st July, 1938, the total number of employés released during working hours for instruction in technical, commercial, or art schools was 41,539, of whom 32,389 were males. The industries and occupations in which the practice is most common are engineering and the allied trades, with a total of over 13,000, and the food, drink and catering trades, with over 5,000, while figures of between 3,000 and 4,000 are found in each of the following: Building, the chemical trades, printing, retail distribution, and Government and municipal services.

Major Whiteley

Is the system of daytime release on the increase, and is the Board of Education doing everything possible to encourage it?

Mr. Lindsay

It has increased by about 14 per cent, during the last year, but it still forms a very small proportion of the amount which, in my opinion, ought to be provided.