§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that out of 132 pupils in the St. Anne's secondary day school at Southampton, 95 are eligible for grants, and that 54 out of the 95 are Catholics; that the total number of Catholics in the school is 69; and whether in view of the minimum number of students required by Article 31 of the new Regulations, can he state what is the number of Catholic students required in order that the Board may recognise it as a secondary day school and accord it the higher grants.
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe figures quoted do not entirely coincide with those in the possession of the Board, but I am to receive a deputation from the local education authority to-morrow, who will, no doubt, be able to give me the latest statistics available. The eligibility of a school for the receipt of the higher grant depends upon many considerations, which are set forth in the Regulations. I certainly am not in a position to say that any specific number of Catholic scholars would entitle any school to the higher grant or to a waiver of the Regulations.
§ MR. BOLANDIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this particular Catholic school welcomed Protestant children, and is that fact to be allowed to act as a bar to its receiving the higher grant?
§ MR. RUNCIMANThat is not the reason why the higher grant is not given. There are numerous reasons.
§ MR. BOLANDCannot the right hon. Gentleman apply the same arrangement as to the case of the training colleges?
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe two things are entirely separate. I am going into the whole thing to-morrow, and may be able to give the hon. Member further information later in the week.