§ 41. Mr. AMMONasked the President of the Board of Education whether the draft amending scheme with respect to Dulwich College has received the approval of his Department; whether he is aware that its adoption will involve the withdrawal of a certain number of scholarships now open to eligible children from publicly provided schools; will the proposed scheme be submitted to the London County Council Education 213 Committee for approval or consent; and does the scheme fall should such approval or consent be withheld?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe scheme has been drafted by my Department on the application of the governors. I am not aware that there is anything in the draft scheme which involves the withdrawal of any scholarships now open to eligible children from publicly provided schools. Clause 25 (d) of the existing scheme, which provides for the maintenance of total or partial exemptions from payment of tuition fees of a yearly aggregate value of not less than £500, is not altered by the draft scheme. The obligation at present resting on the college to offer a certain percentage of free places as defined in the Board's Regulations for secondary schools, arises out of the Regulations, not out of the scheme, and that obligation (which has only existed since 1920) would, in any case, lapse on the college ceasing to ask for grant from the Board. It is, of course, true that the new scheme tends to render the college independent of Government assistance by increasing the funds available to the college governors out of the estate, but this increase is justified by the improved financial position of the estate and is in accordance with the purposes of the Foundation. The draft scheme has been published and brought to the notice of the London County Council, and any representations which the council may have to make will receive careful consideration.
§ Mr. AMMONIs it not a fact that the effect of the scheme will be to remove a number of scholarships from these children in publicly provided schools, and leave it to the option of the governors whether or not they shall give scholarships; and is it also a fact that the London County Council Education Committee have lodged an objection to this scheme and have asked that it should be held over for a time?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe answer to the last part of the question is "no." I do not think that any protest has been received, but they have asked, in view of the coming Recess, that they should be allowed to present their view in January. As regards the first part of the question, the free places and scholarships depend not upon the scheme but 214 upon the Regulations. It is a fact that the college is no longer going to receive the grant and does not wish to receive a grant. That involves the withdrawal of the free places and not any alteration of the scheme.
§ Mr. AMMONWhat is the right hon. Gentleman going to do about the request of the London County Council? Will the scheme be held up during the vacation, and does the education committee consent to that?
§ Lord E. PERCYI am not sure, but I certainly hope so. I do not see any reason why the scheme should be made before February.
§ Mr. CAMPBELLIs it not a fact that the Governors of Dulwich College can be relied upon to continue to act in a public-spirited manner towards these children as they always have done?
§ Lord E. PERCYAs I pointed out in my answer this free place obligation has only rested on the governors since 1920. It is quite a new thing, and I am sure the governors can be relied upon to do what is right.