§ Q4. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Departments of Education and Science 904 and of Defence in regard to the education of school-age recruits; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterAs my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware—[Interruption.]
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesOn a point of order. Would it be possible, Mr. Speaker, for the rabble opposite to be quiet so that I can hear the reply to my Question?
§ Mr. SpeakerMy only purpose is to try to get a reasonable number of Questions answered. The Prime Minister.
§ The Prime MinisterAs my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, the Government have decided, after careful consideration by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Education and Science, to raise the lower age limit for recruitment in line with the school leaving age.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesMy right hon. Friend will be aware that for many years the Services have recruited 15-year-olds and have allowed them to continue their general education simultaneously with their military training. The scheme worked very well both for the individuals and for the Forces. But the Secretary of State for Education and Science has set her face adamantly against any such plan. Will my right hon. Friend try to persuade his right hon. and fair Friend to be a little less determined on this subject?
§ The Prime MinisterI know my hon. and gallant Friend's interest in this matter, but the educational training provided by the Forces began after the school leaving age, and we do not think it right, with the school leaving age being raised from 15 to 16, that the Services should be exempt from the effects of this change. We think it right that the Services training should still begin after the school leaving age.