§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to complete his study to find out why pupils seem less willing to stay on at school after 16 years of age and aim at university, in the light of the projection that, by 1981, 120,000 fewer pupils will be staying on at school after 16 years of age than was estimated in 1972; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Armstrong:As part of the study preparations are being made for a survey of the career aspirations and further and higher education intentions of 16year-olds and 18-year-olds to be carried out in a sample of schools and further education colleges during the current academic year if satisfactory arrangements can be concluded with all those concerned. It is too early to say when the study will be completed, but it is hoped to have some additional information on this complex problem later this year.