HC Deb 22 February 1967 vol 741 cc1708-9
24. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now defer the raising of the school leaving age from 1970 until such time as adequate staffing, curricula and buildings are assured.

47. Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that it is still his policy to raise the school leaving age in 1970.

Mr. Millan

It remains the Government's policy to raise the school leaving age to 16 in session 1970–71. All practicable steps are being taken to ensure that the necessary preparations are made.

Mr. Steel

Does the hon. Member recognise that while the principle of raising the school leaving age to 16 is supported by the whole House, there is grave concern in Scotland, among parents and teachers alike, that this desirable principle should not override an efficient system of education for those up to the age of 15? If it is regrettably the fact that there are inadequate curricula, buildings and staffing to implement this decision in 1970, does he not agree that it would be far better to postpone it?

Mr. Millan

I realise that there are other problems involved, and I think that the biggest problem, as the Government have said on many occasions, is to do with the supply of teachers. However, if we are to wait to do this until the conditions are absolutely ideal, we shall never do it at all.

Mr. Brewis

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that the Roberts Report on the distribution of teachers could be a tremendous help to education in Glasgow? Why has the hon. Gentleman put off making a statement or implementing this Report?

Mr. Millan

I am not aware that we have put off making a statement or delayed the implementation of the Report. We have had various representations about it and not all of them have been unanimous. We are now considering these and will give a decision as soon as we can.

Mr. Carmichael

Is my hon. Friend aware that most hon. Members, particularly on this side of the House, are very anxious that the Government should hold strongly to the idea of raising the school leaving age in 1970–71? Is he aware that the only way in which we can ultimately establish proper educational equality, up to early leaving age, is by giving children a proper curriculum for four years after transfer from junior school to senior school?

Mr. Millan

We are making improvements in the curriculum, in anticipation of the raising of the leaving age, but I agree with my hon. Friend that the educational reasons for raising the age limit are overwhelming. In particular this is necessary to prevent premature leaving of children who would benefit from extra time at school.