§ 6. Mr. Basil Nieldasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the present position of release of students from the Forces and, in particular, those for whom university places have been kept.
§ Mr. IsaacsThere are at present no special arrangements for the release of students from the Forces other than by age and length of service. If any vacancies occur at universities during the current academic year preference must clearly be given to men released in Class A. The arrangements for the next academic year are being discussed with representatives of the universities this week.
§ Mr. NieldWill the Minister take steps to insist that the Service Departments let these people know at the earliest moment so that notice may be given to the universities?
§ Mr. IsaacsI will take note of that.
§ Mr. PagetCan the Minister give us some indication when the arrangements for next year are likely to be published, because it is highly important that it should be possible for individuals to make some kind of plans?
§ Mr. IsaacsI hope that if the university authorities reach a decision this week I may be able to publish the arrangements next week.
§ Mr. JannerCan the Minister say whether he will take into consideration the case of those students for whom places are available at the universities and who are due to be released from the Forces within a month or two after the time when they are due to start their courses and try to make arrangements for them to commence their studies prior to the expiration of that period?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat point also is one that has had consideration and that has our real sympathy, and, providing it does not impose hardship upon someone else in the Forces, it will be done.
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisDoes the right hon. Gentleman's reply indicate that Class B releases have now ended?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir.