§ 6. Mr. Kingasked the Minister of Education whether, having regard to the fact that the responsibilities of local education authorities are confined to children in their own area and that it is now generally accepted by her as desirable that boarding schools should draw pupils of all types from differing localities, she will consider establishing boarding schools under the direct or indirect control of her Department.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe powers of local education authorities include the payment of contributions in respect of pupils educated at schools outside their area and of fees and expenses at direct grant and, in approved cases, independent schools. My Department has already pressed upon authorities the importance of meeting reasonable wishes of parents in this matter and of preserving so far as possible the traditions of particular county and voluntary schools; and in respect of other schools I am prepared to consider any proposals that require my approval.In 1511 this, as in other matters, I rely on the goodwill and co-operation of local education authorities and governing bodies, and I see no occasion for any departure from the general principles laid down in the Education Act for the establishment and conduct of grant-aided schools.