HC Deb 15 December 1942 vol 385 cc1761-2
43. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many, and which, local education authorities in Scotland agreed in 1942 to release children over 12 years of age from school during term-time to assist in agricultural work in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Regulations; what total number of children were so released before and after 30th September; and the total number of schooldays missed by the children?

Mr. Johnston

Some thousands of schoolchildren in Scotland assisted with the harvest this year, but no exact statistics of ages and dates are available. In the arrangements made between education authorities and agricultural executive committees the educational interests of the children in rural areas were specially safeguarded by the adjustment of school holidays so as to make the greatest number of children available when they were most needed by the farmers.

Mr. Mathers

Was the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the outcome?

Mr. Johnston

No, Sir, I am never satisfied.