HC Deb 25 June 1942 vol 380 cc2146-7
34. Mr. Lipson

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Committee to consider the future of the public schools will be concerned with girls' schools as well as boys' schools.

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. I propose to ask the Committee to consider, as part of their terms of reference, how far measures recommended in the case of boys' schools are applicable also to girls'.

Mr. Lipson

Is it the intention to include a woman on this Committee?

Mr. Butler

Yes, I think so.

Mr. Hannah

Will co-educational schools also be included?

38. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Education the total accommodation available in public schools, and how much of this is now being filled; how many vacancies it is estimated may be available or filled by boys from elementary schools; and whether he has received any scheme, from the Headmasters' Conference or from other sources, respecting the possible admission of elementary schoolboys, by scholarship or otherwise?

Mr. Butler

The number of pupils in schools represented on the Headmasters' Conference, according to the most recent returns, is approximately 64,700; of this total 38,200 are in grant-aided schools, and 26,500 in schools not in receipt of grant. I am unable to say what is the total accommodation of these schools and the number of vacant places. The hon. Member will appreciate that a considerable number of boys educated in public elementary schools are already in attendance at grant-aided schools represented on the Conference. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the incidence of this matter being considered by the special Committee which the right hon. Gentleman is setting up?

Mr. Butler

I have no doubt they will consider the points that the hon. Member has raised.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that they do consider these points, as they are of tremendous importance?

Mr. Butler

As I have said before, I am announcing shortly the full terms of reference. I think it will be seen that they are wide, and cover almost every angle of the subject.

35. Mr. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Education the terms of reference and the names of the Committee which he has set up to inquire into the extension of boarding school education?

Mr. Butler

I hope to be in a position to announce the terms of reference and names of members invited to serve on the Committee, shortly.

Mr. Lindsay

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to clarify the terms of reference, because the Parliamentary Secretary somewhat enlarged the scope of the subject when he dealt with it the other day?

Mr. Butler

I shall make the terms of reference as clear as I can when I announce them.