HC Deb 02 March 1961 vol 635 cc1737-8
21. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Education whether he is now able to make a statement about the introduction of legislation to reduce the school-leaving dates to two per annum, at Easter and in July, as recommended by the Crowther Committee.

26. Mrs. White

asked the Minister of Education what progress he has made in negotiations on reducing the number of leaving dates in secondary schools.

Sir D. Eccles

The Government have decided to accept the Crowther recommendation that the number of school-leaving dates should be reduced to two. The effect of this will be that pupils born in the months September to January inclusive will be free to leave at Easter and the remainder in July. In view of the serious teacher shortage expected in 1962–63, the change will not be made until September, 1963, before which date legislation will be introduced.

Mrs. White

I welcome that statement, but will the Minister make it clear that, although it is probably necessary to do it in two stages, educationally one leaving date would be much more satisfactory, and he has not closed his mind entirely to that possibility?

Sir D. Eccles

That is my view. I regret that it has not been possible to take just one bite at the cherry.