39. Mrs. Manningasked the Minister of Education if he will inform heads of direct grant schools which have preparatory departments that, in deciding the entries to the senior department for next September candidates from the preparatory department must compete on equal terms with candidates from grant-aided primary schools; and if he will instruct His Majesty's inspectors to see that this condition is observed.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe point raised by the hon. Member is already adequately covered by Regulation 44 (a) of the Primary and Secondary Schools (Grant Conditions) Regulations. I have no evidence to suggest that this regulation is being infringed, or that a special communication to the schools is necessary on the point.
Mrs. ManningIf I provide my right hon. Friend with evidence that, in spite of the regulation, this is going on, will he take steps to inquire into the circumstances which I send him?
§ Mr. TomlinsonCertainly, Sir.