At 18, I was working, and doing a bit of courting, paying my way at home and learning the fact that if you wanted something, you damn well had to work for it.

Our family motto was, and still is 'Only those who work, eat.'

Now I read that the school leaving age is to be raised to 18. Who is to pay for this folly?

Schools can't keep students interested as it is, and if you're not keen on school, keeping you there another couple of years can only make things worse.

It's another case of vision without provision.' Do they ever think things through?

Teenagers want food, drink, company, entertainment, clothes and music - in large amounts.

Can they get all this, still at school, not earning - the mind boggles.