HC Deb 23 June 1924 vol 175 cc66-7W
Mr. G. WHITE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the emergency arising from juvenile unemployment, he will appoint a committee from the Board of Education and the Ministry of Labour, with representatives of local education authorities, to consider what steps can best be taken immediately to increase facilities for education beyond the age of 14, having regard to all available resources?

Mr. JONES

I have been asked to reply to this question. My right hon. Friend is considering all the methods by which a longer school life for children could be secured, and is asking for the advice and the co-operation of local education authorities in making every practicable advance in that direction. He has already asked the Board's Consultative Committee to report upon, the organisation, objective and curriculum of courses of study suitable for children who will remain in full-time attendance at schools, other than secondary schools, up to the age of 15 plus. At the present moment the President doubts whether the object which the hon. Member and himself both have in view would be forwarded by establishing such a committee as he suggests I need not say that the officers of our Department are in close touch with those of the Ministry of Labour and the local education authorities.