HC Deb 29 March 1945 vol 409 cc1520-2
31. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Education what conclusions were reached at his recent interview with the school authorities to whom Scheme B of the Fleming Report may apply; whether that scheme has his support; and when and if it can be carried into effect even without the adherence of all those to whom it is designed to apply.

Mr. Butler

The representatives of governing bodies and of the associations of headmasters and headmistresses who recently met me expressed their readiness to co-operate with my Department in examining the details of Scheme B. of the Fleming Report. I have gladly accepted this offer, and until the examination has been completed, I think it would be premature for me to express any general opinion on the merits of Scheme B. or on the methods of putting it into effect.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Has the right hon. Gentleman noted that Scheme B has been applied to entry into Dartmouth College in its entirety by the First Lord of the Admiralty; can he say by what means Members of Parliament can keep up to date in this very important matter, and finally, what measure of support and of opposition he got at the recent meeting?

Mr. Butler

I cannot add anything in respect of the last part of the question. In respect of Dartmouth College, I can only say that the scheme for Dartmouth College has a certain similarity to Scheme B and appears to be very successful.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in principle, he will be prepared to accept the scheme which is applied to some of the schools, or does he feel that he will have to wait until it applies to all schools?

Mr. Butler

I think we had better see how the negotiations proceed.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

May I ask my right hon. Friend how it comes about that the proposal of Scheme B, which has been out and published for such a very long time, is now only being examined by the people to whom it is designed to apply?

Mr. Butler

I should think there has been enough activity on the educational front to account for a certain delay, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the implication of Scheme B had to be considered and fully examined by the parties interested. They then requested to see me and I acceded to their request, and had a very fruitful meeting. Had the matter been rushed the meeting might not have been so fruitful. This accords with my policy throughout the negotiations for educational reform.