HC Deb 10 April 1952 vol 498 cc2962-3
21. Mr. Peter Remnant

asked the Minister of Education whether she will introduce legislation to enable parents to be required to make some contribution towards maintenance where children are accommodated in residential special schools.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am not yet ready to introduce any legislative proposals, but in preparing them I will consider this suggestion along with any others that may be put to me.

Mr. Remnant

Is my right hon. Friend aware, as I am sure she is, that in nonresidential schools the parents have had to contribute to maintenance as distinct from the education, and it seems unreasonable that because a child is in a residential centre the parents should make no contribution, as they would have done if the child were at a non-residential school?

Miss Horsbrugh

I am aware of that, and as I have already said, I wish to consider the various suggestions that are put to me before I make any proposals for legislation.