§ 40. Sir E. Boyleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pupils will be added to secondary school rolls as a result of raising the school-leaving age in 1972–73, and assuming a single school-leaving date.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe current estimate is 287,000. With a single leaving date this figure would apply throughout the school year 1973–74.
§ Sir E. BoyleDoes this not emphasise the need for an early statement by the Government about the school building programme for 1970–71? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that he will make an announcement about this before Christmas?
§ Mr. ShortI would not like to be tied to making one before Christmas. I fully realise the urgency of this, and intend to make a statement, not only on the building programme, but about the whole process of raising the school-leaving age. I have this very much in mind and will do so at the earliest possible moment.