§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue a circular to local education authorities reminding them of their legal obligation under section 8(1)(b) of the Education Act 1944 to provide education up to the age of 19 years for young people with special educational needs.
§ Sir Keith JosephOnce more I am glad to make clear my view that the Education Act 1944 puts a duty on local education authorities to provide full-time education for any young person aged 16–19 who seeks it; that this duty may be fulfilled by provision at a school or at a college of further education; and that the duty extends to young people with special educational needs. My view is well known and I am not persuaded that there is any need to restate it in a circular.