§ Mr. Bessellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) to what extent it is his policy to permit compulsory drilling, marching, daily inspections, sentry duty and other forms of military training to be imposed upon students training for the Merchant Navy at technical colleges; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are the requirements of the Merchant Navy in respect of students who are trained at technical colleges; whether these include military training; and if he will make a statement.
Mrs. Shirley WlliiamsThe education, training and discipline for students of nautical subjects in colleges of further education are matters for the local education authorities and the governing bodies of the colleges concerned. The authorities have regard to the statutory requirements bearing on qualifications and take into account the wishes of the shipping companies.
§ Mr. Bessellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will investigate all forms of training of a military type, imposed upon students training for the Merchant Navy in technical colleges or similar establishments under his control.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI do not think this is necessary. My Department keeps in touch with colleges training students for the Merchant Navy through Her Majesty's Inspectors.
§ Mr. Bessellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what agreements he has made with shipping companies concerning the measure of supervision exercised over students at technical colleges under his control by the companies who contribute to the cost of training such students for service in the Merchant Navy.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsNone.