HC Deb 19 March 1946 vol 420 cc1672-3
24. Mr. George Porter

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an assurance that students, training for the teaching profession, will be allowed to complete such training without interference by call up for National Service.

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. Students under the age of 18 who entered teachers' training colleges are deferred until the end of their two-year course. As regards the arrangements to be made for the next academic year, I am in consultation with my hon. Friend the Minister of Education.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is anything being done for these people who cannot get into these training colleges, and will they be called up while they are still waiting to go to them?

Mr. Isaacs

This is a matter which is much too involved to deal with by Question and answer. The general idea is that we shall fill up all the places that the universities have available, and take those for whom there is no accommodation into the Forces and let them do their term of service. We are trying to ensure, and we shall insist so far as possible, that priority shall be given to the men who have served many years in the Forces.