asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many pupils remain at school in Scotland after attaining the age of 17;

(2) how many pupils remain at school in Scotland after attaining the age of 15.

On 15th January, 1964, there were 66,000 pupils at public and grant-aided schools in Scotland aged 15 and over. Of these, 12,400 were 17 and over.

Can my noble Friend tell the House how these figures compare with the corresponding figures of 10 years ago?

There are twice as many pupils aged 15 and over in Scottish schools as there were 10 years ago, and the proportions in each age group have doubled.

Would the noble Lady call the attention of the Press to these remarkable figures and point out that all juveniles today are not delinquents but that they are attending schools full-time and evening classes to a record number?

I quite agree with the right hon. Gentleman, and I hope that the Press will take note of his comment.

We are all gratified at the number remaining longer at school, but is the noble Lady aware of our concern that last year of the number who left school and those who continued at school beyond the leaving age, 15,300 did not complete a five-year secondary course and that the test is whether or not the courses have been completed? It was certainly an increase from the previous year, but we have no room for complacency.

I quite agree; that is why we have decided to raise the school-leaving age in 1970–71.