HC Deb 05 August 1943 vol 391 cc2450-1
40. Mr. Lipson

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the welcome given to the proposal to abolish the special place examination he will consider the advisability of introducing this reform at an early date without waiting till the other contemplated changes in the educational system can be brought about?

Mr. Butler

While I am anxious that the special place examination in its present form should be discontinued as soon as circumstances permit, I do not think the change would be justified until all education over 11 is classified as secondary under conditions which afford a reasonable choice to parents of different types of school.

Mr. Lipson

Does that mean that the fact that certain local authorities have not reorganised their schools under the Hadow scheme is holding back the special place reform, and is there any reason why those authorities who have reorganised their schools should not be given authority to carry out this very necessary reform?

Mr. Butler

I think my hon. Friend had better refer to the terms of the answer which I originally gave him.