§ 65. Sir P. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the growing practice of officials of the Ministry of Health, Post Office and other Departments in attracting pupils from secondary schools in Wiltshire and elsewhere, before the end of their term of education, thus disorganising the work of the schools and wasting school places; and whether he will consult with these Departments with a view to ending this practice and give directions to the education authorities as to the course they should pursue?
§ The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)I am assured that no secondary school pupils are employed by the Post Office before the termination of their school life agreement without the written consent of the local education authority. In the case of the Ministry of Health, I understand that my right hon. Friend has no knowledge of the recruitment of secondary school pupils under the age of 16 to the local offices of the Ministry. If, however, my hon. Friend will furnish him with particulars of the cases he has in mind investigations will be made into the circumstances.
§ Sir P. HurdIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I have already sent particulars of these cases to his Department, and may I ask whether he will give an undertaking that this matter which is so disturbing to secondary education will cease at the end of the present emergency?
§ Mr. ButlerThe first part of my answer dealt with problems of my own Department and the second part with problems connected with the Department of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.
§ Sir P. HurdCan we have an undertaking?