HC Deb 27 November 1922 vol 159 cc264-5
14. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the total number of boys and girls who left the elementary schools at the end of the last summer term in the London area and in England and Wales, respectively; and whether he has any record showing the total number of these who have obtained regular employment?

Mr. WOOD

I regret that I cannot give figures for the children who left school at the end of any particular term, and the latest complete figures which I have are for those who left school in the course of the year ending 31st March, 1921. I will send my hon. Friend those figures, but I have no information as to how many of the children who left to enter employment did, in fact, obtain regular employment.

Viscountess ASTOR

Could the hon. Gentleman consider the question of what is going to be done with these boys and girls, from 14, who have not passed to secondary schools and cannot get employment?

Mr. WOOD

That question is at present engaging the attention of the Government.