HC Deb 28 June 1971 vol 820 cc51-2W
Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children are now remaining at school because they cannot find jobs.

Mr. van Straubenzee

I have no information on this matter.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children are due to leave school in order to commence full-time employment in July.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The total number of school-leavers in England and Wales at the end of this academic year is expected to be about 625,000 of whom, on past experience, about one-fifth will be intending to continue in further full-time education. Most of the remainder, numbering some 490,000–500,000, may be assumed to be available for full-time employment in some form or another.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the employment situation in regard to school leavers this July, she will encourage local education authorities, as an emergency measure, to allow children who are then due to leave school to continue in school attendance.

Mrs. Thatcher

An initiative by me is not necessary. Children are free to stay on or enter further education if they or their parents wish, and I have no doubt that local education authorities will help in any way they can.