§ 11. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many pupils were in the sixth forms of Welsh schools at the latest convenient date; and how this figure compares with the number 10 years ago.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasIn January, 1971, there were 16,625 sixth form pupils in maintained Welsh secondary schools compared with 9,547 pupils in January, 1961.
§ Mr. GowerIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that that is a most encouraging figure? As the sixth form in some schools is a particular glory of the system of State education, will he always keep this matter under careful examination?
§ Mr. ThomasYes, I agree with my hon. Friend. In 1971 53 per cent. of 15-year-old pupils stayed on at school beyond the statutory school leaving age compared with 40 per cent. in 1961.
§ Mr. RoderickIn view of the Secretary of State's support for the policy of the Secretary of State for Education and Science to restrict building to primary schools, may I ask whether he expects this expansion to continue; or is he relying on youth unemployment to be the recruiting sergeant?
§ Mr. ThomasI cannot understand the hon. Gentleman's question. My policy has been to increase building, in particular, primary schools. Indeed, there has been a considerable increase in school building since I became Secretary of State.