§ 23. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the resentment at, and the effect over a large area of, the preferential treatment by the Board, of the Manchester Grammar School, compared with the elementary, central, technical and other secondary schools; what is the reason for this; and in view of the difficulties thereby caused to the local authorities in regard to evacuation, will he now, in conjunction with other Ministers responsible, reconsider the whole problem?
Mr. LindsayI am aware that the Manchester Corporation were averse to the reopening of Manchester Grammar School. In allowing the school to reopen the Board acted in pursuance of a decision by the Government that they were at liberty to allow the opening of secondary schools on the fringes, or in relatively sparsely populated portions of, evacuation areas, subject to compliance with conditions designed to safeguard the pupils. This discretion does not extend to schools other than secondary schools which comply with the conditions, and the Manchester Corporation have been informed that it will be exercised only in exceptional cases. The Board's decision should not, therefore, have any adverse effect on the city's evacuation scheme.
§ Mr. SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that for this reason and other reasons the evacuation arrangements are breaking down, and is it the intention of the Board of Education to consult with other Ministers involved in order to consider what steps can be taken to bring about a more satisfactory arrangement?
Mr. LindsayI can only say that there is daily consultation between the Ministers concerned, and I think the hon. Member will appreciate that it is not entirely a simple problem.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this school is in Rusholme, one of the most populous centres of Manchester, and does he not see the point that once the authorities allow the children to come back to that school, there is no argument against all children coming back?
§ Mr. TomlinsonIs it not a fact that this decision was taken by the governors purely on financial grounds, and may I ask whether the decision of the Minister was given on financial grounds, too?
§ Sir Joseph NallIs it not a fact that most of the parents concerned approve of the action which the Board took, and will my hon. Friend say why the same thing cannot be done for elementary schools?
Mr. LindsayThere is a difference in the ages, and that was one of the biggest factors in making this decision. If you allow the whole of the elementary schools to open, and it is compulsory or voluntary, it is clear that you have to reconsider the evacuation scheme.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIs it not a fact that it was purely on financial grounds, and that these people can afford to pay?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI say it is.