HC Deb 30 July 1919 vol 118 cc2109-11
70. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Prime Minister if in the near future, in order to meet the case of the great public schools, he intends to make any variation of the rule which compels secondary schools to accept a certain proportion of non-fee-paying pupils from primary schools?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Fisher)

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. If the hon. and gallant Member means to ask whether I intend to alter Article 20 of the Secondary School Regulations in order that the great public schools may be enabled to receive Grants under the Regulations without admitting free pupils from elementary schools, the answer is in the negative.

Captain LOSEBY

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that there will be no further alteration in regard to the principle upon which Grants are made to secondary schools without taking the feeling of this House?

Mr. FISHER

Certainly.

71. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Prime Minister whether he was aware that Grants to secondary schools were being made on variable conditions, and that in the same towns and districts one school was compelled as a, condition of Grant to accept 25 per cent. of its pupils free from primary schools, whereas a more favoured school was made to receive only 10 per cent.; and whether he would take steps to ensure that one definite rule was made generally applicable"?

Mr. FISHER

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The condition in question has remained unaltered since 1907, when it was first introduced into the Regulations for secondary schools. I do not think it would be in the public interest to alter it in the direction which the hon. and gallant Member suggests.

72. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Prime Minister whether, under Secondary Schools Grants Regulations, 1919, the representative majority control of State- aided secondary schools had been completely abolished, or if the new rule requiring one-third only of the councils of State-aided schools was confined to those schools not at the date of publication of the Regulations in receipt of State aid; and whether, in the latter event, he would avoid discontent and dissatisfaction by making the new Regulation generally applicable?

Mr. FISHER

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. As is stated in paragraph 7 of the Explanatory Note prefixed to the Draft Regulations for Secondary Schools, which were published on 26th May [Cmd. 180]: It is not contemplated that the Board should undertake the revision of the Trust Deeds or Instruments of Government of schools which have already complied, in respect of the constitution of the Governing Body, with the existing conditions of grants, unless such revision is clearly advantageous to the organisation of, higher education in the area.