HC Deb 19 February 1935 vol 298 c175
37. Mr. R. T. EVANS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the latest returns of youths who have left school without entering employment; and, if so, whether he will reconsider the question of raising the school-leaving age?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I am aware that the returns to which the hon. Member refers show an increase in the number of unemployed juveniles. This is mainly due to the large numbers leaving school at Christmas. With regard to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on Tuesday, the 29th January last, to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies).

Mr. EVANS

Can we have some information as to how much worse the situation will have to be before action is taken?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I cannot prophecy in answer to a hypothetical question.

Mr. WEST

Is it a fact that we are so short of labour in industry that it is impossible to raise the school-leaving age?