Denominational Schools (Hansard, 26 June 1952)

§ 4. Mr. Ede
asked the Minister of Education if it is proposed to include Clauses dealing with the financial position of denominational schools in the promised Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

§ 23. Mr. Hale
asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made with regard to Her Majesty's Government's proposals with reference to the denominational schools; and when she expects to be in a position to announce these proposals in detail and introduce any necessary Measure.

§ 27. Mr. Slater
asked the Minister of Education if she has now reached agreement with the representatives from denominational schools on the question of further assistance.

§ Miss Horsbrugh
I would ask the hon. Members to await the text of the Bill.

§ Mr. Ede
Will the Bill be introduced this Session?

§ Miss Horsbrugh
I think so. I should like to see it introduced as soon as possible, but, as the right hon. Gentleman will understand. I cannot give a definite date at this moment.

§ Mr. Ede
May I assure the right hon. Lady that this Bill will receive a much warmer reception than some of the stuff we have been seeing?

§ Mr. Hale
Is it not a fact that the Bill is in print and is available and, if that is so, and in view of the fact that it embodies the proposals of my right hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede) and my right hon. Friend the Member for Farnworth (Mr. Tomlinson), why not produce it, because we shall support it?

§ Miss Horsbrugh
If there is another Bill which the hon. Gentleman knows is in print, I shall be happy to see it. The Bill to which I am referring is being drafted at the moment.

§ Mr. Slater
Is the right hon. Lady not aware that talks were practically concluded with representatives of the various denominational schools some time ago, and since in the period of seven or eight months since the General Election nothing has yet been done in regard to them, will she speed up the matter?

§ Miss Horsbrugh
Consultations have taken place with certain denominations but no definite consultations on the propositions have taken place with the National Union of Teachers, the local education authorities and various other people who are interested.

Miss Ward
Is it not a fact that if there had not been a change of Government, there would not have been the money to meet the new demands?

§ Major Beamish
When the right hon. Gentleman says that the legislation will receive a warm reception, does he mean that it will receive a hot reception or a cool reception?