§ 21. Mr. J. Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Foreign Office personnel living in Berlin have been informed that, as from 1st April, they will have to contribute£125 per annum for each child at the British Families Educational Service School run by the Army; and to what extent this new ruling applies to other non-military personnel.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerIt is not proposed to make any change in the existing arrangements before the autumn term, and the fees to be charged are still under consideration. Normally members of the Foreign Service are responsible for arranging for the education of their children, and it is proposed to bring the arrangements in Berlin into line with the normal practice.
§ Mr. RodgersWould my hon. Friend agree that if the security guards or the Foreign Office clerks were in England 2345 they would be able to send their children to school free, and that it is monstrous that they should be asked to pay, as I understand they have been,£40 a term, on average, for their children to attend a grossly overcrowded school? If they are charged, is it the intention of the Foreign Office to make any contribution towards the fees?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThey are paid children's allowances, which take into account this sort of payment.
§ Mr. BellengerWill the hon. Gentleman consult the Secretary of State for War to see that there is no discrimination as between Foreign Office personnel and military personnel?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI will look into that point, certainly.