§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that art students who have won State scholarships have been nominated for early release, whilst other art students who have to their credit the same length of service have to take their turn for demobilisation; and why this different treatment is being meted out.
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§ Mr. IsaacsThe purpose of the arrangement for the release from the Forces in Class B of a number of University arts students is to enable the Universities to resume their arts courses, which were virtually closed down during the war. The number of University students who can be released in Class B is necessarily limited and, in view of the purpose of the arrangement, it was decided in consultation with the University authorities, to accept the objective test of scholarship standard as the most satisfactory basis of selection. Selection is not confined to holders of State scholarships; all holders of scholarships and exhibitions of a high competitive standard are eligible for nomination by their Universities if they are within age and service groups 1 to 49 inclusive.