§ 2. Mr. Frederick Peartasked the Minister of Education if she will hold a special inquiry into the proposals of the local education authorities who, in response to Circular 242, are impairing the main structure of the educational system.
§ Miss HorsbrughNo, Sir, I do not think that there is any occasion for such an inquiry. If an authority were to propose measures inconsistent with the guidance given in the opening paragraph of the Circular, I should take the matter up with them directly, as I have already done in one or two instances.
§ Mr. PeartIs the Minister aware that there are several authorities who are going far beyond Circular 242? If she will not grant a special inquiry will she be very vigilant and prevent their putting into effect what is beyond the requirements of the Circular?
§ Miss HorsbrughCertainly—and I shall be receiving estimates from the local authorities in April.
§ 17. Mr. Edward Shortasked the Minister of Education whether she will refuse to sanction those economies in the services administered by local education authorities which will reduce educational opportunity.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe basis on which I have asked authorities to seek economies in preparing their detailed estimates for the coming financial year is clearly stated in the first paragraph of Circular 242. As regards university scholarships and similar awards to students, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular which I have recently issued to local authorities.
§ Mr. ShortIn view of the assurance which the right hon. Lady has given, implicitly, will she ensure that local authorities who are contemplating cuts in their grants to students are not allowed to make those cuts?
§ Miss HorsbrughIf the hon. Gentleman will look at the circular he will see that I have asked local authorities to await the further information they are to receive and the further schemes which I am sending to them before they decide on the number of their awards.