HC Deb 19 March 1942 vol 378 c1655
66. Mr. Simmonds

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will agree, during the period of hostilities, to release scholars from compulsory school attendance immediately after the birthday upon which they attain school-leaving age if they desire to make their services forthwith available for the war effort?

The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)

I do not propose, as at present advised, to seek power to amend the law in the manner suggested in my hon. Friend's Question.

Mr. Simmonds

Has the right hon. Gentleman discussed this with the Minister of Labour, because it is really undesirable to have these children, who are waiting to go into industry, unsettled in their studies when they could start doing national work?

Mr. John Dugdale

Would the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that we intend to win this war without child labour?

Mr. Butler

As I have indicated, there is no intention of altering the law. The change suggested would not be in the best interests of education.