§ 11. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Lord Privy Seal when it is expected that the Committee appointed to inquire into the raising of the school age and the removal of the old from industry will reach its conclusions and be in a position to report to the Government?
Mr. THOMASThe Committee are pressing on with their inquiries with all possible expedition, but I am not in a position to say when their report will be available.
§ 13. Major GEORGE DAVIESasked the Lord Privy Seal in view of the decision of the Government not to raise the school leaving age to 15, what steps he proposes to take to prevent lads of 14 from becoming wage-earners and thus adding to the congestion of the labour markets?
Major OWENIs it not possible for the Government Departments concerned to issue instructions to local authorities who have already raised the age to 15 not to put obstacles in the way of boys and girls leaving school at the age of 14?
Mr. THOMASWe would welcome and avail ourselves of any opportunity to encourage local authorities, but my hon. and gallant Friend will at once appreciate that there is much more involved than the mere question of raising the age. There is the question of maintenance, and the whole bearing of it will be considered by a committee. In order to help in that direction, I will certainly see what can be done.
Major OWENIs it not possible, in areas such as that of the Carnarvonshire Education Committee, to enable children whose parents desire it to be released from school at the age of 14?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas the Lord Privy Seal noticed the new policy of the Welsh Literal party?