§ 16. Mr Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with, and what advice he has given to, local education authorities about the shortening of primary school hours for the youngest children.
§ Mr. CroslandNone, Sir.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware, as I am aware, of five-year old children for whom the full school day is extremely long and for whom, in some cases, it causes nervousness as well as physical exhaustion? Is it not possible for primary school staff to have the same latitude as is enjoyed by the staff of private schools?
§ Mr. CroslandSome latitude is already granted in respect of children under eight years of age, and that occurs under Regulation 10(1) of the 1959 School Regulations. The hon. Gentleman is right in saying that this subject has aroused a great deal of public discussion recently; but I would prefer not to make any suggestion relating to a new policy until we know, which we shall in the middle of January, whether—and, if so, what—the Plowden Committee has anything to say about the matter.