§ 19. Mr. STOURTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused when a child upon reaching the age of 14 is precluded from leaving school and accepting proffered employment until the end of the school term, thereby jeopardising the child's future; and whether he will authorise children to leave school during term, having attained the age of 14, in cases where a letter guaranteeing work can be produced from an employer?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)My Noble Friend is satisfied that the educational advantages of the present arrangement, which is governed by Section 138 (1) of the Education Act, 1921, outweigh any disadvantages which it may involve. In any case, he has no authority to take the action suggested in the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. STOURTONAm I to understand that the Government do not propose to make this concession?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThat is the effect of my answer.