HC Deb 23 August 1945 vol 413 cc817-8W
Mr. Grenfell

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the procedure by which men and women whose training for teaching duties have been interrupted by enlistment in His Majesty's Forces are to be permitted to resume their university studies and training for future duties as teachers.

Mr. G. Isaacs

Such persons will be released in Class B if. they satisfy the conditions for the release of university arts students already announced. Those released under the normal procedure in Class A will be free to make their own arrangements.

Sir C. Edwards

asked the Minister of Education if she will state the grounds on which discharge of ex-teachers from the Services under Class B has been arranged; to what extent it is decided on information already in the hands of the authorities; and where that information came from and from whom.

Miss Wilkinson

The decision to include teachers in the special releases from the Forces under Class B was taken on the ground of the urgent needs of the schools. The information necessary for their identification has been obtained from the local education authorities, governing bodies of schools and colleges and from training colleges and university training departments. Release will be offered in order of age and length of service.

Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Education, having regard to the serious shortage of qualified teachers, what arrangements have been made for their early demobilisation from the Armed Forces.

Miss Wilkinson

In view of the serious shortage of teachers, arrangements have been made for a number of teachers now serving in the Forces to be granted release under Class B of the Re-allocation of Man-power Scheme. Such releases have already begun.

Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Education if she will make arrangements with the Minister of Labour for students, who volunteered for service with the Armed Forces before completion of their education, to be released to complete their university courses as soon as possible.

Miss Wilkinson

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to-day by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, to the hon. Member for the Scottish Universities (Sir J. Orr).