HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 c299W
14. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the working of the new school leaving age.

Mr. Armstrong

As this is the first full school year in which all pupils have been required to stay until the age of 16 it is too early to evaluate the full effects. My right hon. Friend will assess them at the end of the year.

40. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will consider altering the secondary school leaving age to being immediately after the last school examinations in which pupils are involved.

Mr. Prentice

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, East (Mr. Clemitson) on 21st March.—[Vol. 870, c.156.]

Mr. Waddington

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in his consideration of the law relating to the school leaving age, he will consider proposing allowing local education authorities, after consultation with parents and headmasters, to release a proportion of children from school before the age of 16 years.

Mr. Armstrong

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, East (Mr. Clemitson) on 21st March.—[Vol. 870, c.156.]