HC Deb 16 December 1965 vol 722 c1437
12. Mr. Buxton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make afternoon school attendance optional below the age of 6.

Mr. Edward Redhead

The Central Advisory Council for Education (England) and the Central Advisory Council for Education (Wales) are considering primary education in all its aspects. My right hon. Friend is awaiting their Reports before considering the advisability of any change in the law as it affects primary school children.

Mr. Buxton

Will the Minister bear in mind that many parents and teachers, as well as local authorities, consider that children of this very tender age get very little benefit from this kind of schooling; and that there would also be an advantage in regard to under-staffing of primary schools if the attendance of these children in the afternoon were made optional?

Mr. Redhead

I would not necessarily accept the hon. Gentleman's conclusions in this regard. I can only say that all relevant considerations will be borne in mind when considering the Councils' Reports.

Mr. Hogg

Can the hon. Gentleman give any news about the likely date of the Report of the Central Advisory Council, to which he has referred in his Answer?

Mr. Redhead

My right hon. Friend expects to receive the Report for England next summer. As the Advisory Council for Wales did not start its deliberations until somewhat later, it follows that its Report may be received a little after the other Report.