§ 57. Mr. Sorensenasked the President of the Board of Education whether any report will be issued respecting the incidence of youth registration; what instructions, guidance or recommendations have been issued to local authorities respecting the direction of young people into suitable organisations; and whether any financial assistance for these organisations is subject entirely to the discretion of local authorities?
§ Mr. ButlerGuidance on the arrangements for following up the forthcoming registration of young people in the 16–18 age-group has been given in Circular 1577 and Administrative Memorandum No. 346, copies of which I am sending the hon. Member. As will be seen from paragraph 16 of the Circular, I am asking local education authorities to submit a simple statistical return of the action taken by them, and I will consider whether some report can be framed on the information so received. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of Administrative Memorandum No. 256 which will give him the information he desires about the last part of his Question.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is a certain amount of misunderstanding and confusion in the public mind, and can he say whether an opportunity will be given very shortly for a Debate upon this matter in the House?
§ Mr. ButlerI am taking an early opportunity of giving a little more information on the subject, which I agree is very important. The arrangement of the Business of the House is not a matter for me, but I am always available to assist the hon. Member in what he has in mind.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman find out whether an arrangement could be made for us to discuss this matter, seeing that it wan to be discussed at one time but that, unfortunately, it was not reached on that occasion?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware of that