asked the Prime Minister when he anticipates being able to ascertain whether he is able to count upon the co-operation of the Churches in the proposal for the raising of the school-leaving age?

I have been asked to reply. The Government are alive to the importance of the question, to which my hon. Friend refers, and are fully exploring it, but it is not yet possible to say when it will be possible to make any announcement on the subject.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Government have addressed a communication to the particular authorities concerned with the object of examining any proposals that they have to make?

At the moment, I would rather not add anything to the reply I have given.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform me whether a communication has been sent out in this matter?