HC Deb 16 March 1933 vol 275 cc2125-6
38. Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many local education authorities in England and Wales have taken steps to establish continuation schools for young persons in accordance with the provisions of Section 75 of the Education Act, 1921?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)

After the passing of the Education Act, 1918, a few local education authorities established compulsory day continuation schools for young persons in accordance with the provisions of the Act, but subsequently discontinued the provision of such schools. At the present time there is only one local education authority in England and Wales which conducts such a school.

Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly inform me which authority that is?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The name of the authority is Rugby.

Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

Is it not appreciated that the setting-up of these continuation schools is largely imperative at the present time, having regard to the large amount of unemployment among young people in the country?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The Section of the Act authorises continuation schools for all young persons, whether employed or unemployed. It is not confined to the training and education of the unemployed only. If it were a mater of legislation, it would be a matter primarily concerning my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

Sir P. HARRIS

Can the hon. Gentleman say why places like Plymouth have abandoned their continuation school scheme? Was it due to pressure from the Board?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

As far as I know, it was abandoned mainly because of the expense involved.

Mr. COVE

Do I understand that this is entirely a matter for the Minister of Labour? Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that it is a matter for cooperative consideration between the two Departments?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I said "primarily."

.Mr. LUNN

Is the Department of the hon. Gentleman considering the question of extending these schemes to the children of the unemployed?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

A certain amount is being done, as the hon. Gentleman knows, in connection with the training and education of young persons, but as things are, if compulsory day continuation schools were to be applied under the Act, they would have to be applied to all young persons leaving elementary schools.