§ 34. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what increase occurred in the number of school children leaving at Christmas, 1933, as compared with Christmas, 1932; and what effect has been produced in respect of the number who failed to secure employment?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)My Noble Friend regrets that he has no figures which would enable him to answer the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan my hon. Friend say when his Department will be in a position to supply information on this very important matter?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe figures obtainable are in respect of each year ending 31st March. The returns for the 31st March last will probably be completed and made up by the early autumn.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHaving regard to the very large increase in the number of children leaving school, is not some special effort being made to investigate the situation?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThese returns are very voluminous, and they have to be received from the local education authorities and prepared by ourselves.