§ 49. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number in Scotland of girls under 18 years of age being given day release from employment for further education at the latest available date; and what percentage of girls under 18 years of age in employment this number represents.
§ Mr. NobleIn session 1961–62 the number was 3,226, representing 3.8 per cent. of those in insured employment.
§ Mr. LawsonIs not the right hon. Gentleman ashamed of this figure? Is it not a dreadful reproach on the employers in Scotland? Will he see that something far better than this is done in future?
§ Mr. NobleI am not ashamed of the figure, but I am not by any means satisfied with it. As the hon. Gentleman says, there are some employers in Scotland who are not as enthusiastic about training their young girls as they should be, perhaps because they fear early marriage. I do not agree with this view. I will do everything I can to encourage a better figure.