§ 16. Mr. TINKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he has recently considered the question of raising the school-leaving age to 15; and will he state to the House the Government's intention on this matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)My Noble Friend regrets that he is not in a position to make any statement in the matter.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the urgent demand for the raising of the school age on the part of Lancashire authorities; and will he be in a position to give me a reply if I repeat this question in two weeks time?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI am aware that a resolution has been passed in the sense which the hon. Member indicates, but I regret that I cannot add anything to my reply.
Viscountess ASTORIs it the decision of His Majesty's Government not to raise the school-leaving age; and, if not, will the hon. Gentleman bring the question before the Prime Minister, who is pledged to it, and the Lord President of the Council, and ask them whether they do not think it is time that something was done in this direction?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSIs it the case that unemployment among juveniles is much lower now than it was a year ago?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman give us some idea as to when Be is likely to make a statement on behalf of the Government?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI am afraid I cannot add anything to what I have said.