§ Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the fact that nearly one-quarter of the pupils of grammar schools leave school before reaching the age of 16 years, he will have an inquiry made into the causes and possible remedies of this state of affairs.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI deplore the fact that many pupils leave grammar schools without completing the full course, and in particular that so many leave before reaching the age of 16. I do not think, however, that any useful purpose would be served by instituting an inquiry. In any case, as I pointed out in my answer on 10th May, the latest figures show an improvement, and this improvement will. I hope, be more than maintained as better facilities become available and the value of a continued education is better appreciated.