§ 36. Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to encourage the children of people on low incomes to continue education beyond 16 years of age.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe first requirement, which is relevant for all young people, is that the curriculum provided by schools and colleges is relevant to their needs380W and the needs of employers: the Government have taken a number of important initiatives in this area. As for financial support, the Government are considering the recommendations of the team which has been reviewing social security benefits for children and young people. Child benefit is paid to the parents of children who remain in full-time education up to the age of 19, and local education authorities have discretionary powers to pay education maintenance allowances and other grants.