HC Deb 05 October 1944 vol 403 c1110
22. Commander King-Hall

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider, in consultation with the departments, the existing arrangement whereby no girl over 19 years of age is given permission to enter teacher's training courses; and whether he will raise the age limit to 21.

Mr. Bevin

I have recently been in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Education and the Secretary of State for Scotland on this matter and have decided that some relaxation can now be made in the age restrictions on the entry of women to training colleges for teachers. Women up to the age of 19¼ on 1st October, 1944, will be eligible to take courses at training colleges, and women over that age will be eligible to enter upon such training if they are not immediately required for employment essential to the war effort.

Commander King-Hall

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give great satisfaction to many young women who wish to go in for teaching?

Mr. Sorensen

Does that mean that, if necessary, they will go to a university for a course?

Mr. Bevin

I do not think the universities are ready to take them yet.

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