School-leaving Age

HC Deb 11 October 1945 vol 414 cc435-6W

Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Education if, to avoid misunderstanding and suspicion, she will now declare the Government's intention to raise the school-leaving age without fail as from 1st April, 1946.

Miss Wilkinson

The intention of the Government to raise the school-leaving age to 15 on 1st April, 1947, has been publicly announced.

Mr. Whittaker

asked the Minister of Education if she will consider raising the school-leaving age before April, 1947, in those areas where there is reasonable school accommodation and where teachers would not normally be available for transfer to other areas.

Miss Wilkinson

No, Sir. To raise the compulsory school age before the 1st April, 1947, in certain areas, even if areas could be found which fulfil the conditions postulated by my hon. Friend, would require legislation and would not be desirable owing to the differences which would be created in respect of the age at which young people could take up employment in adjoining areas.