37
September 1980 · that is to say, one year after places for all
children in each age-group become available.
Secondly, by similar stages to extend the existing prohibition
of employment of 13 and 14 year-old children in industrial
undertakings to non-industrial ones as well. The intention is to
prohibit employment which would interfere with a child's
schooling, but flexibility will be maintained to allow for
part-time employment particularly in family businesses or summer
jobs. Those who have completed their Form III education before
reaching 15 will also be allowed to work if they so wish. The
number of 13 and 14-year olds in full employment at present is
of course very small, but the details of this legislation will
require consultation with the Labour Advisory Board and the
Board of Education. Though the proposed legislation will not come into force until the beginning of school year 1979/80, I
think it is right to give this two year's notice of what the
Government's intentions are.
(iii) Free
Thirdly, legislation will be introduced to abolish fees for
junior secondary education in the public sector. This is a
corollary of making this type of education compulsory. The
not cost of this reform after allowing for fees already remitted
will eventually amount to about $85 M. a year. Since the
abolition of fees is linked with education being made
compulsory, strict logic would dictate that fees should be
abolished as compulsion is applied to each age group, from
1979 onwards. Your Government feels that this would delay
/the benefit............
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