HC Deb 21 May 1946 vol 423 cc172-3
22. Mr. SWingler

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on his plans for education in the postwar Army.

Mr. Lawson

Comprehensive plans for education in the postwar Army have been prepared. These plans are now being examined in detail, and it would be premature for me to make an announcement at present. But I shall do so as early as practicable.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Would my right hon. Friend speed up this statement in view of the fact that this particular generation is the one that suffered most from evacuation? I know my right hon. Friend has a lifelong interest in this matter. Will he make a statement as soon as possible?

Mr. Lawson

Yes, Sir. I stated in my speech on the Army Estimates that I was very deeply concerned about the younger men who were coming in, and the need for attending to matters of their education. In that respect, I have given a considerable amount of time in order to lay down a scheme. I hope to make a fairly useful statement later on.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Can we have an assurance that when this scheme comes up for consideration women will have the same chance of a decent education as men and will not be told later that as they have to work so much harder than the men they have no time for education?

Mr. Lawson

Yes, Sir.