§ 29. Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Labour why students at technical colleges who are taking a university degree course have been excluded from the Government's undertaking not to call up university students until after they have completed their course.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe students referred to are presumably those who have started their courses under the age for call up, and have been granted temporary deferment until the end of the following July in order to take certain examinations. No undertaking has ever been given that such students, whether at a university or a technical college, would not be called up until they had completed their course.
§ Mr. HicksDoes not my right hon. Friend think that, in regard to technical colleges, recruitment of students is chiefly from the artisan class? While I am not trying to inveigle him into expressing an opinion, may I ask whether he does not think that that savours a little of social distinction in favour of the universities?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, because, taking it by and large, the same treatment is given to technical students as to university students.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIn framing the new Bill for compulsory service, will not the Government bear this point in mind, because it is of the highest importance to our export drive that these young men should complete their education?
§ Mr. IsaacsThere is no doubt that that will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs not my right hon. Friend aware that some of our most successful "back room boys" during the war were recruited from technical colleges, and that many lads were seeking a university degree? Cannot he grant the same facilities to external students as to full time university degree students?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf my hon. Friend has any further information perhaps he will let me have it, but, as I have said, both classes are treated in precisely the same way.