§ 18. Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many secondary schools for children aged 11 to 16 years will be functioning in Wales when the school-leaving age is raised.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasIt is expected that there will be 101 maintained secondary schools, for pupils aged 11–16, in Wales in September, 1972.
§ Mr. RobertsI thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his reply, but does he agree that when the school-leaving age 16 is raised, these schools might face special problems in having no sixth form available for pupils and in the provision of a counselling service? Will he consider consulting local education authorities on the provision of additional resources to meet this important commitment?
§ Mr. ThomasThe local education authorities and voluntary bodies concerned are well aware of the problem. It is a matter for them. If they think that additional help is necessary, I have no doubt that they will get in touch with me, and I shall certainly have sympathetic regard to what they say.