HC Deb 08 February 1951 vol 483 cc222-3W
Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that a number of parents have been prosecuted because of the absence of their children from school during the hop-picking season in Kent; and if he will consider the possibility of providing educational facilities near the hop fields, and so avoid the restriction of this crop.

Mr. Tomlinson

Parents are at liberty, under the regulations of my Department, to apply for leave of absence for their children from school to accompany them on their annual holiday for not more than two weeks in the year. I understand that in three cases parents have been prosecuted for keeping their children away from school for much longer periods. Any parent can apply to have his child admitted to a school near the hop field.