§ 18. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Education how many applications he has received for schemes to transfer endowment funds from controlled to aided schools; how many he has granted; how many he has refused; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe answer to the first three parts of the Question is "None," though I have received one or two inquiries whether such endowments could not be included in the Section 86 schemes. Owing to shortage of staff, I can at present only make such schemes for the sale of disused schools or schools about to close and for the application of their proceeds for diocesan purposes.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksDoes the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that he is prepared favourably to receive applications for the endowment funds of controlled schools being transferred to aided schools?
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, in the main, I think that could be deduced from what I have said. Where a school can be sold for diocesan purposes, we try to speed up the matter.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksHas the Minister got this right? The Question does not relate to the schools themselves, but to the endowment funds of controlled schools. Can these be transferred to aided schools, because, so far, the Department are not agreeing to any schemes set up?
§ Mr. TomlinsonThis is a very complicated matter, as I have said before, to discuss at Question Time. If the hon. Gentleman will come round to the Department to discuss it with myself and the lawyers there, we shall do our best to meet him.