§ 19. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to implement the raising of the school-leaving age; and what particular 1209 problems are faced in various parts of Wales in effecting this change.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasSpecial financial allocations have been made to provide additional buildings and extensive preparatory work has been undertaken by teachers and the various bodies concerned. Such a major exercise inevitably presents problems, but I am hopeful that these will be resolved.
§ Mr. GowerShould not this transition in Wales be rather easier than it may be in many other parts. owing to the fact that a large proportion of our pupils stay on at school at the moment, and also owing to the fact that Wales traditionally has tended to produce more teachers than many other parts of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasYes. As I say, I hope that the problems will be resolved. Over 50 per cent. of our pupils are already volunteering to stay on beyond the statutory leaving age, and I think that the majority accept and welcome the extra year, but I think that we must accept that there will be reluctance on the part of some.