HC Deb 04 December 1975 vol 901 cc702-3W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to allow school-leavers to cease to attend schools at dates other than the end of the summer term; if he will set a single commencement date for this new arrangement, for example the Friday before the next spring bank holiday; and what advice he is giving to local education authorities and head teachers in respect of those children who would be eligible to leave under this new policy in spring 1976.

Miss Joan Lestor

On 8th July my right hon. Friend announced that he and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales proposed to introduce legislation to make the Friday before the Spring Bank Holiday the Summer leaving date for England and Wales. They hoped that it would be possible to make the change from 1976. That remains the position.

My right hon. Friend has not yet offered any advice to local education authorities on this matter.