HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 c496W
Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received regarding the lowering of the school leaving age to 14; and if he will make a statement. [53436]

Ms Estelle Morris

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State receives a wide range of representations on educational issues. While some of these touch upon the difficulties of engaging all pupils in the 14–16 age band in learning, very few commentators advocate an end to compulsory education at 14.