§ 38. Lieut.-Colonel Byersasked the Minister of Education whether, before refusing a direct grant to the Shaftesbury Grammar School, any member of the Dorset County Education Committee or Governors' Board was consulted; and on how many occasions in the last nine months has an inspector from the Ministry visited the school.
§ Mr. HardmanThe application for recognition was submitted on behalf of the governing body through the Dorset Local Education Authority; and, in considering the case, my right hon. Friend had before her the views both of the governors and the County Education Committee. My right hon. Friend regrets that she is unable in the time available to give precise information on the second part of the Question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ByersMay I ask why the Minister of Education refused to see a deputation from the governors, and in view of the widespread concern at her refusal to give a direct grant, may we have an assurance that certain of these cases will be reconsidered?
§ Mr. HardmanI think that all I can do is to report the observations to my right hon. Friend.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ByersMay I give notice that I shall raise the whole question of direct grants to schools on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity?