HC Deb 16 June 1966 vol 729 cc1631-2
12. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research is being undertaken by his Department to study the link between poverty in low-income households and educational progress in schools.

Mr. Crosland

At least ten research projects supported by my Department, and costing in all about £290,000, have a bearing on this subject.

Mr. Winnick

I appreciate that reply, but will not my right hon. Friend agree that there are at present still too many children suffering in their school work as a result of coming from homes where there is a very low income? Will he try to persuade his colleagues to change the present system whereby the wage-stop is applied?

Mr. Crosland

There are far too many children coming from such homes, and I have no doubt whatever that this has an extremely deleterious effect on their educational performance. But, of course, the solution to this problem goes far beyond anything we can do within my Department.