HC Deb 25 May 1976 vol 912 c171W
Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what economic problems would arise from shortening working hours, or from the raising of the school leaving age.

Mr. Golding

A general reduction of normal working hours unaccompanied by a reduction in earnings, would raise labour costs, affect our trading position, and impede the progress of the Government's anti-inflation policy. The school leaving age is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.