HC Deb 10 July 1990 vol 176 cc182-3W
50. Mr. Holt

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give further consideration to bringing forward legislation to bring the statutory school-leaving age into line with other European countries.

Mr. Alan Howarth

No. The Government believe that young people should be allowed a real choice at age 16 of the various forms of education and training on offer, or of commencing employment. There has never been so high a proportion of young people in the 16 to 19 age group engaged in education or training.