HC Deb 18 January 1977 vol 924 c80W
22. Dr. Edmund Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the legislative provisions which assign the responsibility for ensuring the school attendance of a married person of compulsory school age to the parent; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

I recognise that difficulties can arise, but I do not think that a change in the law would bring about an improvement of any general educational benefit. I hope that local authorities will carefully consider alternative remedies, including home tuition, before prosecuting the parents of a married 16 year old.