§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many people under the age of 18 years were given day release from their employment to attend courses of further education for 757W the years 1974 and 1975, giving the percentage of males and females in each case.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerIn November 1974 there were 156,000 men and 42,000 women under the age of 18 enrolled on day release courses at further education establishments in England and Wales. These accounted for approximately 40 per cent. of men and 10 per cent. of women aged under 18 in employment. The 1975 figures are not yet available.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made on the intention of his Department to initiate a pilot scheme on compulsory day release from employment for purposes of further education.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerThe Government's proposals for a programme of pilot schemes of further education and training, to which my right hon. Friend referred in the debate on the Address—[Vol. 901, c. 510.]—will be announced shortly. It will not, however, involve compulsory day release from employment. We hope to have early consultations with all concerned and to start the programme later this year.