§ 12. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSONasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the London County Council issued instructions to the head teachers of its secondary schools in July limiting the number of admissions of free placers to 40 per cent. of the total enrolments of the previous year; that in at least one school this resulted in the rejection of a large number of applicants who had won junior county scholarships, although the school is 60 under its accommodation; and will he say what steps he proposes to take to ensure that local education authorities do not in this way interpret the minimum as a maximum, to the exclusion of the most deserving pupils?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe London County Council have informed all their secondary schools that they may now accept scholarship holders up to 40 per cent. of admissions. I have no information as to large numbers of applicants being unable to obtain admission, but if the hon. Member brings to my notice any cases of hardship I will communicate with the London County Council.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question?
§ Mr. TREVELYANWhat the County Council have done is to open up a large number of places that did not exist.
§ Sir C. YATECan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the cost to the country.
§ Mr. TREVELYANI cannot say.