§ 17 and 18. Mr. JOHN (for SIR WILLIAM JENKINS)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, (1) whether he is aware of the unanimous decision of the education authorities of England and Wales at their annual conference to appeal to the Board for a compulsory order raising the school age to 15; and what steps he is prepared to take to bring about this change: (2) whether the Board of Education will now come to a decision to raise the school age; and whether they will recommend the grant of financial aid to the parents of the children for the additional year in school?
§ 15. Miss RATHBONEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the unanimous recommendation of the Association of Education Committees of England and Wales, at their meeting in Cardiff on 13th June, in favour of the raising of the school-leaving age to 15, coupled with maintenance allowances according to need, the Government proposes to reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMMy Noble Friend is aware of the resolution referred to, but cannot agree that this represents the unanimous decision of all the Education Authorities of England and Wales, as implied in the question asked by the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins). As regards the matters referred to in the resolution, my Noble Friend regrets that he is not at present able to add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on the 7th June.