School-leaving Age

HC Deb 30 March 1961 vol 637 cc1525-6

53. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education whether he will make a statement on the raising of the school-leaving age.

Sir D. Eccles

In the debate on this subject a year ago, I made a full statement of the Government's policy, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Willey

Am I right in assuming that it is the intention of the Government to make a statement before the next General Election? Does the Minister realise that it would be of considerable political importance to know when the statement is to be made?

Sir D. Eccles

If the hon. Gentleman will read what I said in the debate a year ago, he will find that I based everything on the supply of teachers. I said that I hoped that our measures for increasing the supply of teachers would enable us, before the end of this Parliament, to make a decision about the school-leaving age. I must first see whether or not the supply of teachers increases as we hope.

Mr. Willey

Is the Minister still hopeful? Does the hope he then expressed still obtain?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, I am always hopeful.