§ 12. Mr. Gristasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Depart- 14 ment is taking to reduce the high level of truancy in Welsh secondary schools.
§ Mr. Barry JonesI had extensive consultations with educational bodies in Wales following last year's report on absenteeism, and am now evaluating the results of measures being taken by local education authorities in Wales to combat this serious problem. I am also considering what further steps might be taken.
§ Mr. GristIs the Minister aware that many of us look upon this as a matter of some urgency? Is he further aware that the extraordinary level of truancy in schools results in levels of numeracy and literacy that are severe barriers to employment prospects for young people? Will he give a pledge that the Welsh Office is considering the matter with a sense of real urgency?
§ Mr. Barry JonesThat pledge can be given immediately, with conviction. However, the Department's rôle is to identify the problems and to suggest appropriate lines of action. Under existing legislation, the practical measures that can be taken in both these areas are the responsibility of the LEAs, the school governors, the head teachers and the staff.
§ Mr. RoderickBefore my hon. Friend comes to any conclusions on this matter, will he institute some form of inquiry into the effects of streaming on this problem, since streaming creates failures in our schools, and this might well have a long-term effect?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI always listen with great seriousness to suggestions from my hon. Friend, because he is an expert in education. I shall bear his suggestion in mind. The change in the summer leaving date will remove one difficulty, since pupils will no longer be obliged to remain at school after completing external examinations.