HC Deb 18 November 1937 vol 329 cc563-5
44. Mr. Hicks

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many children have held special places in secondary schools in each year since the special-place system was instituted, and in respect of how many of those children in each year the payment of fees or part fees has been required?

Mr. Lindsay

The Board's statistics do not enable me to give the particulars asked for in respect of the total number of children holding special places in any one year, but I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving these particulars in respect of the new awards of special places made in each of the four complete school years during which special place arrangements have been in force.

Mr. Hicks

Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information as to whether there are any, and, if so, how many, children who have been unable to take advantage of the special places system, due to the financial disability of their parents or guardians?

Mr. Lindsay

I have no direct evidence. I should be glad to have it if there is any, because, under the system, no child should be debarred from taking advantage of it owing to inability to afford it; and that is why this system is in force.

Following is the statement:

Secondary Schools on the Grant List.
Particulars of Special Places awarded at the beginning of the School Year.
Year. Total. Partially exempt from fees. No exemption from fees.
1933–34 49,249 6,376 5,113
1934–35 51,748 7,395 5,365
1935–36 51,577 7,514 5,154
1936–37 55,976 8,232 5,510
Note.—These figures exclude free places awarded under Article 15 of the Regulations for Secondary Schools.

49 and 50. Mr. Hicks

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (1) the total amount of school fees paid in respect of children holding special places in secondary schools in each year since the institution of the special-place system;

(2) the number of children who have failed to take up special places in secondary schools offered to them as the result of examination tests in each year since the institution of the special-place system?

Mr. Lindsay

As the answer to these two questions is approximately the same, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member, answer them together. My Noble Friend regrets that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available. I will send a letter to the hon. Member explaining this case. It is extremely difficult to get the kind of information that is being asked for.

Mr. Hicks

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that officers of the Board of Education might very well submit themselves to the examination test as is submitted here in order to get the information?

Mr. Lindsay

It is extremely difficult to get this particular information, but I am going to write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Ede

Is it not the fact that the economies effected have never paid for the cost of the administration in securing them?

Mr. Lindsay

No, Sir, I do not think that that is true. I would like to give the actual figures.

51. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number and the names of local education authorities in England and Wales which have 100 per cent. of special places in their secondary schools?

Mr. Lindsay

The number of such local education authorities is 40. I am circulating a list of their names in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the list:

LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES which award 100 per cent. Special Places in their Secondary Schools.

ENGLAND.
Administrative Counties.
Durham. Middlesex.
Essex. Wiltshire.
Isle of Wight.