HC Deb 22 November 1951 vol 494 cc540-2
10. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether she will now introduce legislation in accordance with the agreement reached between her Department and the voluntary schools representatives.

14. Mr. Carson

asked the Minister of Education what progress is being made with the discussions which are proceeding with the Roman Catholic and other denominational religions regarding grants in aid for their respective schools.

18. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Education what alterations in the financial grant made to voluntary schools are to be made, and when they will operate.

The Minister of Education (Miss Florence Horsbrugh)

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer given on 15th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, South (Mr. Maude).

Mr. Thomas

Does that reply mean that the Minister fully concurs in the all-party agreement that was reached by her predecessor, and is legislation going to be forthcoming?

Miss Horsbrugh

I have looked into this matter. No agreement, to which the hon. Member refers in his Question, was reached between the Department and the voluntary schools representatives. Discussions took place and they were being carried on. It is my intention to go on with those discussions, and I hope to find an agreement which will be satisfactory to all.

Mr. Christopher Hollis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that while we all wish her well in working out such legislative proposals as may seem necessary, at the same time this problem is also largely a matter of administration, and will she do all she possibly can to preserve the happy relationship between local education authorities and the different denominations which exist over the greater part of the country, upon which the successful solution to this problem depends?

Miss Horsbrugh

That will certainly be my aim.

Mr. Leslie Hale

Is the right hon. Lady aware that her predecessor did conduct discussions with all interested parties and that a solution had been arrived at? Will she not say at the earliest possible moment whether she intends to apply this solution and ask this House to pass the necessary Measures?

Miss Horsbrugh

I gather that a complete solution had not been found, but I shall certainly look into this matter with the greatest possible speed, and I am entirely in favour of making an announcement to this House as soon as possible.

Mr. Ralph Assheton

Would my right hon. Friend be likely to make an announcement early in the New Year?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think it would be best if I said that I want to do this as quickly as possible and that I shall make an announcement as soon as it can possibly be made.