HC Deb 16 March 1950 vol 472 cc1254-5
72. Mr. Walter Fletcher

asked the Minister of Education if he will now relieve the managers of voluntary schools by amending Section 15 (2) of the Education Act, 1944.

75. Mr. Harold Macmillan

asked the Minister of Education whether he is prepared, in the light of the changed circumstances since the passing of the Education Act, 1944, to modify or withdraw the Form 18 which has been sent to the managers of voluntary schools.

Mr. Tomlinson

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll).

Mr. Fletcher

Will the Minister make a statement on this matter very soon, because it is exercising the minds of those concerned, quite justifiably, to a very great extent?

Mr. Tomlinson

If "very soon" means when the authorities come back to me with their response to the suggestions made, as soon as I can.

Mr. Macmillan

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that, in spite of the general view that he has no power to send out this form under Section 15, he still has power under Section 10 of the Act to make such modifications as he may think fit?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, Sir, but I think it would be a mistake to imagine that the problem can be solved by attempting to belittle it and transferring it under another Section of the Act. The whole question of Form 18, to which the right hon. Member refers, is one of the matters now before the authorities.