asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he plans to increase the participation rate of 16 to 19-year-olds in full-time education, especially in English regions and in local authority areas where the rate is below the national average.

The Government would welcome a rise in participation in full-time education up to 16, especially in those areas where it is below average at present. Our current studies of the educational provision made for this age group, which we are undertaking in collaboration with the local education authorities, will include consideration of the factors which affect the demand for education.