§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour whether he has completed his discussions about arrangements for deferment of call up of students entering farm institutes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain Macleod:Yes, Sir. In the past, the general rule has been that these young men could only obtain deferment to take a course not later than that next commencing after their 18th birthday. After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, it has been decided that in future they will be eligible for deferment to take a later course, provided that they are under deferment on agricultural grounds or as agricultural apprentices on 1st May, or are subsequently granted deferment, in the year in which the course commences.