§ Lieut.-Colonel GAULTasked the President of the Board of Education what the school-leaving age and the average size of the classes are in the elementary schools of the following countries: Belgium, England, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States of America; and the estimated and comparable figures for this country after the school-leaving age has been raised and become effective?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANThe school-leaving age in the countries named is as follows:
- Belgium—14.
- England—14.
- France—13.
- Germany—14.
United States of America—varies from 14 to 18 in different States, with varying provisions as to exemption in special circumstances.
I have no information in regard to the school-leaving age in Russia. The information at my disposal does not enable me to give reasonably accurate and comparable figures with regard to the average size of classes in these countries. The average size in England and Wales is 36, but it is not yet possible to estimate with any degree of accuracy what the position will be after the leaving age has been raised.
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the President of the Board of Education whether the Government have altered their intention of imposing a means test in connection with claims for maintenance under the Bill providing for the raising of the school-leaving age?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANNo, Sir.
§ Sir H. CAYZERasked the Prime Minister whether he is yet able to state 1527W the date upon which the Second Reading of the Education (School Attendance) Bill will be taken?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENMy right hon. Friend can add nothing to what Has already been said in reply to questions on this subject.