Finance and Administration (Hansard, 5 April 1951)

§ 5. Mr. Hollis
asked the Minister of Education whether he will now arrange for the appointment of a Royal Commission or other body of inquiry to consider the financing and administration of public education in relation to the present rating and grant system.

§ Mr. Tomlinson
No, Sir.

§ Mr. Hollis
Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the very meaty representations made by the National Union of Teachers' Conference—apart from those made at other places—on this question? Whether or not the inquiry should be by a Royal Commission is of secondary importance, but will he now admit that the situation is becoming incredibly complex, and will have to be investigated in some form or another, and the sooner the better?

§ Mr. Tomlinson
That is an entirely different question, it seems to me.

§ Mr. Hollis
No.

§ Mr. Tomlinson
The question that the hon. Gentleman is now asking about an inquiry, relates to the statement that was made that, when the new valuation lists were ready, grants which had been fixed some time ago would need to be reviewed. That review will take place, as I said, but I doubt if it calls for a Royal Commission.