§ 21. Mr. John Leeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many universities in England and Wales have agreed to permit entrants to post pone the taking up of their places in order to enable them to spend periods of time in the Voluntary Service Overseas and other similar organisations after leaving school; how many students awaiting university courses in the current academic year are engaged in this kind of work; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Denis Howell)This information is not available in my Department, but I understand from Voluntary Service Overseas that universities generally allowed such postponement for V.S.O. service in 1968–69.
§ Mr. LeeI thank my hon. Friend for that encouraging reply. Does not he agree that the interval between school and university is a useful maturing influence for many students and something to be encouraged in as many cases as practicable?
§ Mr. HowellI agree, and the Government hope to give every possible encouragement in that direction.