HC Deb 21 February 1929 vol 225 cc1284-5
27. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Education how many of the 1,963 children who obtained free places in secondary schools during the year 1927–28 in the West Riding, Yorks, area were originally fee-paying students, and won scholarships during their attendance at secondary schools?

Lord E. PERCY

During the year in question 153 fee-paying pupils attending secondary schools in the West Riding of Yorkshire won scholarships giving them free education. This number is additional to the 1,963 who obtained free places on entrance to the schools.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Does the Noble Lord not think that this is giving children whose parents can afford to pay for them prior to having a scholarship a definite advantage over children who must continue in attendance at elementary schools?

Lord E. PERCY

I am afraid I cannot quite understand what the hon. Gentleman's question means.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Does the Noble Lord not think that where a child's parents are able to pay for the child at a secondary school prior to winning a scholarship, that child is getting a distinct advantage over the child who has to continue at an elementary school?

Lord E. PERCY

I certainly do not think that where examinations are held the child who has ability to pass the examination should be discriminated against because his parents have happened to—

Mr. WILLIAMS

That child has a secondary school education to start with.

Lord E. PERCY

The hon. Member, I think, has got the wrong end of the stick.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the hon. Member must put the question down on the Paper.