HC Deb 10 March 1949 vol 462 c1368
9. Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Education whether his regulations permit a parent, residing in an area covered by a comprehensive school to allow his son to sit for the examination to a local grammar school.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have made no regulations in this matter, which is primarily one for the local education authority.

Mr. Lindsay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the answer given to a parent was, "It will not be necessary for your child to take the examination"; that this means that a child of poor parents is prevented from getting the opportunity of going to a university while a child attending an independent school has no such handicap put in his way; and that this is not equality of opportunity for the children of this country?

Mr. Tomlinson

No question of the opportunity of going to a university arises at this stage. The education authorities have indicated that, in certain circumstances, and in relation to certain individuals, they are prepared to make exceptions.

Mr. Lindsay

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that if the child does not have the opportunity of going to a grammar school, and does not take a foreign language until the age of 16, its chances of getting to a university are very small indeed? This is a very serious question.