HC Deb 30 January 1969 vol 776 c1511
26. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will introduce legislation to enable the final year of secondary education to be undertaken in colleges of further education.

Mr. Edward Short

I have this issue under consideration but I am not yet ready to make a statement.

Mr. Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although many of us wholeheartedly support the decision to raise the school leaving age to 16, a significant number of 15-year olds in our secondary schools conceive an intense distaste for the environment in the typical secondary school and would learn far more and far better in a college of further education? Would not he agree that it is now a matter of urgency that legislation should be introduced to make this possible?

Mr. Short

I agree with my hon. Friend's conclusion but I do not agree with the premise that it is connected with the quality of some of our secondary schools. I am anxious to do this, but he will realise that it involves a great deal of consultation with a great many people. I hope that I shall be able to make an announcement on the matter shortly.