asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many students have been nominated for Class B release to attend universities and technical colleges in 1947; and how many have been granted release;

(2) how many students were granted Class B release to attend universities and technical colleges in 1945 and 1946.

Approximately, 4,250 students were released in Class B for the academic year 1945–1946 and 2,350 for the academic year 1946–1947. Up to 15th July, 1,695 students had been nominated for release in Class B for the academic year 1947–1948, but as releases will be effected shortly before the men are due to commence their studies, only a very few have so far actually been released in Class B.

While quite understanding the last sentence of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, will his office bear in mind the extreme necessity or desirability of allowing certainty to the men and to the academic institutions concerned as long before October as is possible?

Certainly, Sir. We will take note of that.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the men who would be released in any case by the end of this year may be released in time to start their academic year this October?

No, Sir. That is the vexed question of Group 62 and Group 63. We cannot go beyond Group 62.