§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will give the number of boys under 18 years of age given day release facilities as compared 63W with girls, stating the percentages in each case; and what further action she proposes to extend such facilities.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeIn 1969, 198,139 boys aged 15–17, 39.7 per cent. of those in employment, received day or block release for further education; the corresponding figures for girls were 54,619 and 10.4 per cent. These proportions have risen steadily during the past decade, and facilities for further education in this way are, and will continue to be, made available to young people requiring them. My right hon. Friend and I will continue to encourage employers and young people to recognise their respective responsibilities and interests in this matter.