asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, further to his written answer of 2 November, he will describe further the disruptive effect on final year courses, in view of the number of pupils likely to be involved.

The question appears to assume that few pupils would be affected. I believe, on the contrary, that such a change in the law on school leaving would lead to increasing numbers of young people seeking offers of employment; and to disaffection among those forced to remain at school. If, during the fifth