HC Deb 06 July 1931 vol 254 cc1723-4
78. Mr. W. B. TAYLOR

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will extend the free places in secondary schools to 60 per cent.?

Mr. MORGAN JONES

My right hon. Friend does not at present propose to increase the present normal maximum limit of 50 per cent. for free places in secondary schools. Applications from individual authorities or schools for permission to award free places in excess of this maximum are considered on their merits.

Mrs. MANNING

Is the hon. Member aware of the great amount of disappointment that exists among working-class parents this year owing to the fact that there is an abnormal number of children of 11 years of age?

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that in Scotland the educational system practically grants every seat free in the secondary schools, will the hon. Member take an example from Scotland?

Mr. JONES

I must remind my hon. Friend that last year we increased the percentage of free seats from 40 to 50 per cent. In addition to that general increase in percentage, applications from individual authorities to go beyond the 50 per cent. limit have been granted.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is not the trouble due to reactionary local authorities?

Mr. EDE

May I ask what steps the Board are taking to see that the authorities avail themselves of the increased provision that was made last year?

Mr. JONES

The decision of the Board is always sent out by circular. Over and above that I do not know what we can do.

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