§ 111. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Education the number of local education authorities who last year refused to release children from school during term time to work in agriculture.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI regret that this information is not available.
§ 112. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Education what arrangements he proposes to make this year for the release of children from school during term-time on work in agriculture.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have considered this matter with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and have decided to permit the continued release of schoolchildren during term time for this purpose, but on a smaller scale than last year. Where their help is required, children aged 13 years and over may, therefore, be granted exemption from school attendance for not more than 10 half days, except in cases of extreme necessity when a further 10 half days may be allowed subject to the approval of His Majesty's inspector. A circular to this effect will shortly be issued to local education authorities.