§ 21. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to secure an expansion of day-release arrangements for apprentices and other employees undergoing training; and whether he will introduce legislation to make it compulsory for employers to grant day release in cases where the trainee applies for it and is acceptable to the appropriate college.
§ Sir D. EcclesI shall shortly have the results of an inquiry into the practical implications of giving young workers under 18 a statutory right to day release. 673 I propose then to have further discussions with the national organisations concerned about this and other possible methods of extending day release, and I will keep the hon. Member's proposal in mind.
§ Mr. PrenticeWhile I welcome the indication that this is still under consideration, might I ask whether it has not been under consideration for a very long time? Will the Minister agree to approach this matter with a somewhat greater sense of urgency, bearing in mind that the nation cannot afford the wastage involved and the fact that there is a hard core of employers who will not grant day release and that this is terribly unfair to the boys and girls concerned?
§ Sir D. EcclesI remitted this study to a committee of officers of my Ministry and representatives of national organisations, including the T.U.C. It held its first meeting in June last, but found that some detailed statistical work was needed. This work is now completed and I hope to have the committee's report next month.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsCan my right hon. Friend say what progress he has made in arranging day release in agricultural areas, because I understand that there has been difficulty in the past about farmworkers being granted day release?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am glad to tell my hon. Friend that day release in agricultural areas is improving rapidly. We need the help of farmers in this.