§ 8. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received as to the inability of children to obtain work experience due to certain sections of the Factories Acts and other legislation; and if he will consult with the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on methods of increasing the availability of this work experience to children.
§ Miss BaconRepresentations have been made to me by local education authorities, teachers and other interested parties. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity told the hon. Member in reply to his Question on 22nd May, the legal and safety problems relating to work experience schemes are being considered by the Departments concerned.
§ Mr. RobertsWould my right hon. Friend accept, however, that this is a matter of some urgency as this vital experience is a vital part of education for mature school children?
§ Miss BaconI should not like to prejudge the issue, and all interested parties are being asked for their opinions about this. As my hon. Friend probably knows, there is not unanimity about it. The T.U.C. has recently come out against work experience even when the school leaving age is raised. But we are having all the necessary consultations, after which we shall be able to decide what to do.