The report describes in general terms the background to the question of paid educational leaves for wage earners and salaried employees and discusses the purposes of such leave. It provides examples of the national law and practice in this field in various countries, examines some particular aspects of the question, and considers possible forms of international action. The document is intended to serve as a preliminary report for communication to the member governments of the International Labour Office to provide a basis for discussion at the 58th session of the International Labour Conference. With this purpose in mind, a questionnaire is included to serve as an instrument for governmental response to the document. The responses to this questionnaire constitute Part 2 of the report (CE 000 524). (AG)