§ 69. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Education what is the significance of the words "where a special case can be established," in paragraph 2, of circular 32, dated i6th March, 1945; and whether these words are intended to imply that schools which are not now in receipt of direct grant will need to make a stronger case for inclusion in the revised direct-grant list than existing direct-grant schools.
§ Mr. EdeThe governors of the schools in question elected in 1926 to cease to receive direct grant from the Board of Education and to receive such financial assistance as they might need from the local education authority. In the case of many of them, the greater part of the net cost of maintenance has fallen on the authority, and in respect of some of them the authority have incurred substantial capital expenditure. In these circumstances, it is appropriate that the governors should establish a special case if they desire that their schools should revert to direct grant status.
§ Sir J. MellorWhen many of these schools elected to receive grant from the local education authorities, were they not assured that their position would not be prejudiced by that election?
§ Mr. EdeThat matter was raised several times by my hon. Friend during the discussion of the Education Bill last year, and my right hon. Friend never agreed that he was right.