My son has just moved into his first (1930s) house and
wants to lay laminate flooring in some rooms. He doesn't
want to use a bead around the edge, prefering to lay the
laminate under the skirting.

If he ever goes back to carpets he'll (possibly) have noticeable gaps
around the skirting and under the doors.

If you do take it off, don't throw it away though, reuse it!