§ 20. Mr. Hollisasked the Minister of Education whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the Government's policy towards Form 18, which lays down the conditions upon which aided status may be given to voluntary schools.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir. My discussions on this matter are not yet completed.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerIs the Minister aware of the great anxiety among denominations and many voluntary managers on this matter? They have to give undertakings at this stage about an uncertain future when it is not clear when some of the schools are to be built. While realising that it is clearly important to work within the framework of the 1944 Act, will the 545 right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that, at the earliest possible date, he will alleviate some of the anxieties felt by the denominations and managers, and announce a plan which enables them to accept these obligations in an honourable and effective manner?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI thank the right hon. Gentleman for putting his question in that form. We are now pursuing the matter about which he has spoken. If we can get agreement on certain proposals which have been made with that object in view I shall be happy to announce it to the House.