HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 cc1393-4
29. Mr. Willey

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

Sir E. Boyle

I cannot at present add to the statement by my predecessor on this subject in the debate on 21st March, 1960.

Mr. Willey

But does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that unless he makes a decision soon he will not be in a position to implement the recommendation in the Crowther Committee's Report?

Sir E. Boyle

The hon. Gentleman will recollect that the former Minister gave a very full statement on this subject. He recognised the conditions which had to be satisfied, and he ended his statement by saying: This should enable us, before the end of this Parliament, to make a decision about the school-leaving age."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 21st March, 1960; Vol. 620, c. 48.] I still stand by his statement and I am sure that the hon. Member will be the first to realise that it is a question of timing here, and one cannot consider timing apart from the broad question of priorities.

Mr. Willey

I also notice and I have previously said that if the Government delay the decision it will be for purely General Election purposes and no other.

Sir E. Boyle

I am sorry, but I refuse to start electioneering now with the hon. Gentleman.