School Leaving Age

HC Deb 20 January 1986 vol 90 c79W

Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received advocating that the school leaving age should be raised for all those who do not take a place on the youth training scheme, or any other recognised training scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

None. The Government are not considering raising the school leaving age and believe that the many educational and training opportunities currently available for young people are most effectively offered on a voluntary basis.

£ million
Research Council	1980–81	1981–82	1982–83	1983–84	1984–85
	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value
AFRC	107	4.4	134	3.9	105	2.4	142	4.8	103	5.0
MRC*	472	16.2	495	19.4	516	21.6	473	20.8	440	18.8
NERC	176	3.4	160	3.7	180	4.0	120	3.5	128	3.7
SERC	2,047	77.5	1,980	78.1	2,141	85.5	2,151	80.5	†2,269	97.0
ESRC	364	5.2	177	4.4	232	5.8	158	3.7	186	5.9

^* The MRC figures relate to short term ssupport only. Information on long term upport by the MRC is not available.

^† Provisional figure.

Mr. Hirst

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list by number and value the alpha rated research projects which have not proceeded by reason of lack of funding by a research council in each of the last five years.

£ million
Research Council	1980–81	1981–82	1982–83	1983–84	1984–85
	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value
AFRC	—	—	—	—	47	1.2	39	1.5	93	5.4
MRC	59	6.1	66	6.1	25	5.9	199	15.7	87	12.0
NERC	50	0.8	153	4.0	60	2.0	185	7.2	43	3.5
SERC	148	3.4	451	16.1	452	20.1	490	16.5	437	*16.9

ESRC do not use the term "alpha rated". Grant applications are either accepted or rejected.

^* Provisional