HC Deb 03 April 1958 vol 585 cc1359-60
16. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education if he will publish in HANSARD the latest figures showing the proportions of children in grammar and secondary modern schools, respectively, in each county and county borough of England and Wales, who are voluntarily staying at school till their sixteenth birthday.

Sir E. Boyle

I regret that information is not available in this precise form.

Mr. Swingler

Would not it be possible for the Minister to obtain this information? Has he not some recent information about the number staying on until 16 over all classes of school, and would not it be possible quite simply to

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving this information.

Mr. Skeffington

I congratulate the Minister on, at last, having the figures. Does not he think that it is desirable to ask for a return from local authorities earlier, because this information is essential if one is to gauge what progress is being made in the new courses for science training generally?

Sir E. Boyle

My right hon. Friend will consider that. I know the hon. Gentleman's concern with these matters. He will be glad to know that the table shows a substantial increase in the number of students taking national diplomas and certificates and City and Guilds courses.

Following is the information:

break those down as between grammar and secondary modern?

Sir E. Boyle

There are certain difficulties about it; I will write to the hon. Gentleman and explain them.