§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children aged 16 years are leaving school this Easter, prior to the taking of any certificate of secondary education or O-level examinations; how this number compares with that for Easter 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonInformation about pupils leaving school this Easter is not yet available. In view of concern that current regulations governing supplementary benefit could affect the number of pupils sitting for the certificate of secondary education, my right hon. and learned Friend has taken steps to monitor entries and attendance at the examinations in 1981 and to compare the figures with those from previous years.