HC Deb 21 January 1964 vol 687 cc113-4W
Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education whether he will make a statement on the report of the Henniker-Heaton committee of inquiry on the grant of day-release to workers under the age of 18.

Sir E. Boyle

I understand that the committee hopes to submit its report to me within a few weeks.

Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education what was the number of young persons under 18 years of age who, on the latest available date, were attending evening classes but had no day release.

Sir E. Boyle

In November, 1962, 158,000 students under 18 attended evening classes in major establishments of further education, and 272,000 in evening institutes. 261,000 students in this age range were in day release courses. I have no information as to what extent the latter category overlaps with the first two, but my department are at present conducting a sample survey at the request of the Henniker Heaton Committee on Day Release related to this point.

Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education how many persons are receiving day release for commercial studies.

Sir E. Boyle

In November 1962, 23,331 students were attending part-time day courses leading to commercial and professional qualifications largely in the commercial field, and a further 7,609 students were attending courses leading to qualifications in wholesale or retail trading. The great majority of these were receiving day release from their employers. In addition there were a large number attending courses in commercial subjects not leading to recognised qualifications.

Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education, whether he will make a statement on day release for agriculture.

Sir E. Boyle

The number of students released from agriculture for part-time day courses has increased from less than 2,000 in 1957–58 to nearly 7,000 in 1962–63. Whilst I welcome this evidence of the increasing recognition by the industry of the importance of technical education, I hope that employers will release more of their young workers to attend these courses either on a day release or block release basis, both for their own sake and as a preparation for full-time courses in agricultural institutes. I shall be including a number of projects for accommodation for part-time courses in agriculture in the 1965–66 Building Programme.