asked the Minister of Labour whether students who register for military service may have their calling-up notices postponed for such periods as will cover their next examinations, even when these periods may exceed six months?

The period for which a postponement certificate on grounds of exceptional hardship may be granted is limited by the Armed Forces (Postponement Certificates) Regulations to six months in the first instance, but application may be made for the renewal of the certificate not later than 14 days before its expiry. The Umpire has decided that a full-time student who has been studying for a year, or a part-time student for two years, may be granted postponement so as to enable him to take a critical examination which is due to be held within nine months of the date on which he was registered.

Is it possible in the first instance to let the student know that the period can be sufficiently long to cover his examination, because all the time, during the first six months, the area official may appeal, and the stress of studying for an examination is enough in itself without the student having the worry that his application may be refused?

I will look into that point, but from inquiries I understand that this decision has been generally welcomed by those who are competent to judge in the matter.

If they welcome the decision would they not welcome nine or 12 months much more?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in considering representations made to him that university students should be permitted to delay their military service, he will have regard to the necessity of avoiding action which may have the appearance of preferential treatment for certain classes?

Postponement is granted where the statutory authorities are satisfied that exceptional hardship would ensue having regard to the circumstances of the applicants. It is not by any means confined to university students and I am not aware of any ground for suggesting that preferential treatment is given to any particular class of cases.

Is the Minister aware that concessions are to be granted to university students in this matter, and on that point will he bear in mind the undesirability of appearing to favour the well-to-do as against the poor, and also bear in mind that many poor families are sacrificing all their sons in the war?

I shall certainly not do anything to give preferential treatment to any particular class and I should hesitate to accept the implication of the hon. Member that university students are necessarily of the well-to-do class.

Miss Rathbone:

Is the right hon. Member aware that some two-thirds of our university students started their education in elementary schools?

I had that point in mind.