§ 43. Mr. TINKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the intention of the Government in regard to the raising of the school age; and whether he will make a statement on this matter?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMMy Noble Friend has given long and anxious consideration to this matter, but, in view of existing financial obligations and the competing claims of other educational services, he does not regard legislation for raising the school age as practicable at the present time.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. Member aware of the great disappointment that his answer will cause, and can he tell the House the financial arrangement which would be incurred by the additional schooling? Further, can he say if the words "present time," means the whole length of this Parliament, even if it exists until October, 1936?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe Government's view was recently stated very fully by my Noble Friend, and I cannot usefully add anything to that statement.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that there has been a very marked decline in juvenile unemployment during the last 12 months?
§ Mr. MAINWARINGCan the hon. Member say what is the comparative cost 780 of the raising of the school-leaving age as against the cost of keeping the children under the unemployment scheme in instructional centres?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.