§ 74. Mr. EDEasked the President of the Board of Education the present estimated cost to public funds of adopting the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on private schools; and whether he intends to introduce legislation to give effect to these recommendations?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The committee estimated that their recommendations could be satisfactorily carried out at an annual cost of £30,000, and I see no reason to dissent from this view. I can hold out no hope of Parliamentary time being at present available for what will be a complicated and probably contentious measure. In addition the local education authorities will be fully occupied during the next few years in giving effect to the Government's policy of educational reforms, and I should be reluctant to add to their burdens at the present time by legislation in the direction which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been any increase in the inspection of private schools?
§ Mr. STANLEYPerhaps my hon. Friend would put down that question.