HC Deb 21 February 1946 vol 419 c1305
62. Mr. William Williams

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of releases from the Forces of students under Class B for the purpose of resuming university courses, in each of the last two quarters of 1945; and the distribution thereof between the various theatres of operations

Mr. Isaacs

Students did not begin to be released in Class B until August, 1945. The number released by 30th September, 1945, was 275 and between 1st October and 31st December, 2,100; the information asked for in the second part of the Question is.not available.

Mr. Pickthorn

While I fully understand the administrative difficulty, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether special attention is paid by his Department to the fact that the date of release and the time of the year in which release takes place make a great difference to the educational careers of these young men?

Mr. Isaacs

That is a point in which 1 think there is a great deal of substance, and 1 have already taken notice of it to try to fit in and see that deferments and discharges are so arranged as to allow full opportunities for these young people to begin and complete their education.