§ 12. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he sanctioned the recent circular issued to juvenile Labour Exchanges, in which it is stated that it will scarcely be practicable to raise the age of school attendance; and whether, in view of this statement being in conflict with previous statements of the educational policy of the Government, he will seek an early opportunity to explain in this House the latest intentions on this matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Lewis)The memorandum was referred to the Board of Education by the Board of Trade before its issue. The Government adhere to the view that the raising of the school age is a matter of the greatest importance, though the difficulties of legislating on the subject are, as experience has shown and my hon. Friend well knows, considerable. With this view there is nothing in the circular to conflict. The Report of the Departmental Committee now sitting will probably emphasise the necessity of dealing with the problem, and will, I hope, contribute to its solution.