HC Deb 09 July 1942 vol 381 cc921-2
21. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consult with the Minister of Labour with a view to deferring the calling-up of a small percentage of university students who have shown exceptional talent and whose retention for a further year is specially recommended by the university authorities?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Ede)

My right hon. Friend has throughout been in consultation with my right hon. Friend he Minister of Labour and National Service and is satisfied that suitable arrangements have been made with regard to the deferment of the calling-up of students at universities.

Mr. Dugdale

Is my hon. Friend aware that deferment is granted only in cases where students are engaged upon work which will in some way benefit the war effort, and that no deferment is granted on purely scholastic grounds?

Mr. Ede

The deferment of calling-up university students is not my right hon. Friend's direct responsibility, and I suggest that any further questions on the subject should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service.