HC Deb 20 June 1978 vol 952 cc203-4
13. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate her Department has of the number of young people over 16 years of age who will be undertaking full-time secondary education in the academic year 1978–79.

Mr. Oakes

My Department expects about 309,000 pupils over school leaving age to be attending maintained secondary schools in January 1979. In 1978–79 there are expected to be 226,000 boys and girls on full-time or sandwich non-advanced further education courses.

Mr. Haselhurst

Of the 390,000 pupils, what number does the Minister estimate will be staying on at school as a result of the proposal to support them out of public funds? Does this proposal imply that he and his Department realise that there will be a serious increase in youth unemployment?

Mr. Oakes

The figure I quoted was 309,000. That figure relates to pupils who are expected to stay on at school under the present arrangements. We hope that when the grant system comes into operation there will be a considerable increase in the participation rate of those staying on at school.

Mr. Newens

Has my hon. Friend any evidence that some children are being denied the opportunity to stay on at school because of the economic burden that this represents on families? In these circumstances, what further steps does he envisage taking in addition to those already taken to make it possible for all children above the age of 16 who desire to undertake further education to take advantage of that opportunity?

Mr. Oakes

The main weapon in the hands of the Government to persuade children to stay on at school is the financial one. In 1973–74 the percentage staying on at school was 24 per cent., in 1976–77 it was 28 per cent., and it is estimated to reach 29 per cent. next year, even without the student support system.

Mr. Forman

Will the Minister break down the figure of 309,000 as between boys and girls? Does he agree with me that one of the most tragic aspects of the position is the poverty of ambition among all too many girls in this country?

Mr. Oakes

I do not have in my possession the proportion as between boys and girls. If the figure is available, I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.