asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what study she has made of the effect that any proposal to introduce a single school-leaving date would have on the employment prospects of school-leavers; and if she will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has consulted the C.B.I., the T.U.C. and the nationalised industries. We are now giving careful consideration to their views.

Does the Minister recognise that one of the most important features of this review is the view of employers of what will be added to the value of school leavers through having an extra term, not merely the view of those in education on what they can do with the extra term?

I appreciate that, but the hon. Member will appreciate that while the T.U.C. have expressed their views on the matter, both the C.B.I. and the nationalised industries at the moment are divided in their opinion about it.