asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has to increase day-release facilities for young people, males and females, respectively, who undertake industrial training.

I attach considerable importance to improving opportunities for day-release for young people in employment generally, and not just for those who receive systematic industrial training. The current rates of release for girls are particularly unsatisfactory, and their needs will have a high priority in any future measures. I am considering ways of making progress, but careful development work is needed before any substantial improvement in opportunities can be achieved.