§ 43. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Education if it is his policy that the junior schools attached to maintained and aided secondary schools shall be allowed to continue to exist provided that they are self supporting and make no call on public funds.
§ Mr. ButlerThe indefinite continuance of preparatory departments as integral parts of secondary schools maintained under the Education Act, 1944, would be inconsistent with the provisions of Section 8 (2) of the Act, which enjoins local education authorities to have regard to the need for securing that primary and secondary education are provided in separate schools.
§ Mr. LipsonDoes the Minister's answer mean placing direct-grant schools in a privileged position? In view of the very useful purpose these schools serve, is it really necessary to give that impression?
§ Mr. ButlerMy answer covers the ordinary preparatory departments. In respect of the direct-grant schools, it 1122 should be remembered that no grants are payable under the present grant regulations in respect of junior pupils in schools in receipt of direct grant.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Minister aware that these schools make no call upon public funds, and could he not therefore reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. ButlerThe exact position of this matter, like so many other matters in the world of education, is very complicated. My first answer covered the normal preparatory departments; my second answer covered the junior pupils in direct-grant schools; all I can add is that there is nothing to stop a junior or primary school going on as an independent school if it wants to do so.