§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the latest figures available for the number of schoolchildren given work permits; how many children are thus employed; and if he will give a breakdown of occupations and other data available in the Official Report.
§ Sir George YoungI have been asked to reply.
National legislation does not require a permit to be issued before a school child takes up employment. Some local 190W tan areas including the GLC and (c) Merseyside.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleBecause of the reorganisation of local government in 1974, it is not possible to provide comparable information for the past 15 years. For the years since 1974, the figures are as follows:
cluding the GLC, and (c) Merseyside; and what was the corresponding figure in each case at five and 10 years previously, or the nearest available information to this.
§ Dr. BoysonProvisional figures of enrolments of students aged 18 or under on further education courses in 1977–78 are:
authorities include this requirement in their byelaws but no details of the permits issued are available centrally.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance on employment is given to schoolchildren when they are provided with work permits; and if he will circulate local authorities with some general guidance.
§ Sir George YoungI have been asked to reply.
Matters relating to the issue of work permits to schoolchildren are for local 191W authorities to determine. A circular on the employment of schoolchildren was sent to local authorities in March 1976. I am considering whether further guidance is necessary.