§ 58. Mr. MANDERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what local education authorities have raised, or have under consideration, the question of raising the school-leaving age to 15?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)The local education authorities for Bath, Caernarvonshire, Chesterfield, Cornwall, Plymouth, and East Suffolk have by-laws fixing the upper limit of age for compulsory school attendance at 15 years. Proposals for such bylaws have been submitted to the board during the last two years by the local education authorities for Burnley and Huddersfield, but the board were unable to approve them. The question has also been discussed, either formally or informally, between the board and the local education authorities for Cheltenham, Colne, Lowestoft, and Northumberland, and has been deferred for further consideration. It is understood that the 1550 Gloucester City local education authority are also considering the question.
§ Mr. MANDERHave the London County Council given any indication of a desire to raise the age?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI must ask for notice of that question.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not possible for boys and girls to stay at school beyond the age of 15 if they want to do so? Why should they have conscription forced upon them, which tends to develop a military mind?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThat is so.