§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from parents and others about amending the school leaving regulations in order that a young person may leave school on his or her sixteenth birthday; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RossI have received representations from a number of sources, including parents, teachers' associations and education authorities. There are strong educational considerations in favour of fixed school leaving dates which must be taken into account. So far I have felt that there has been insufficient experience of the present arrangements since the raising of the school leaving age on which to reach any conclusions, but I shall look at the situation again shortly.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make the available and facilities of his Department available to cater adequately for the problems created by raising the school leaving age to 16 years.
§ Mr. William RossYes. The advice and help of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools is already freely available to education authorities. Assistance in devising and providing courses suited to the needs of pupils in the age group concerned has also been given by the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum.