Schools Exploring Society

HC Deb 06 March 1952 vol 497 cc629-30

5. Mr. Cyril Bence

asked the Minister of Education if she will make a grant to the British Schools Exploring Society.

Miss Horsbrugh

No, Sir. I do not think it reasonable to take on an additional commitment of this kind at the present time.

Mr. Bence

Is the Minister aware that this Society has been sending 60 or 70 boys annually on expeditions to parts of the Commonwealth and Scandinavia and that many secondary school boys have been able to go only because they have been able to obtain assistance, as they are the children of working-class people? Is she aware that if the Society does not give assistance the only boys who will be able to go will be the sons of wealthy parents from the public schools?

Miss Horsbrugh

It is open to education authorities to assist boys if they are satisfied of the value of the expedition. I do not think I can take on an extra commitment however much I might feel it would be good for these boys to join these expeditions.

Sir Edward Keeling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that boys who go on these expeditions and who cannot pay their own fees are already subsidised from various quarters and have no great difficulty in getting subsidies, and that she is quite right in leaving well alone?

Mr. Tomlinson

Is the right hon. Lady prepared to advise a local authority to assist in a special case?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think that local authorities must decide for themselves. This would be an entirely new commitment for the Ministry, calling for an Exchequer grant, and I do not think that this is the time for me to enter into a new commitment.