HC Deb 23 November 1972 vol 846 c457W
56. Sir Gilbert Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will now issue a circular recommending to local education authorities that all children shall be admitted to school in the September before their fifth birthday.

Mrs. Thatcher

To make admission compulsory at that age would require legislation. Local authorities admit children at the beginning of the school year if they have the facilities.