§ 68. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that her proposal to centralise a number of educational charities now operating throughout the county of Hereford has aroused a strong volume of protest; and if she will reconsider this proposal which will divert money from the original wishes of the benefactors.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe period of publication of the draft scheme in question expired on 26th May and objections have been received from the trustees of 17 of the 29 educational charities included in it and from the Hereford Rural District Council and the Leominster and Wigmore Rural District Council. I will naturally consider carefully all the objections before deciding my future course.
§ Mr. BaldwinWhen considering this matter, will my right hon. Friend not realise that the policy of centralisation is against the policy of the Conservative Party, and that the effect of centralisation may well mean setting up an administration that will swallow a great deal of the available income from these charities?
§ Miss HorsbrughI will certainly bear all those points in mind.
Mr. VaneMay I ask the right hon. Lady whether it is her intention to centralise various educational charities in all counties or whether this is an exceptional case?
§ Miss HorsbrughI have already given a list of counties in which plans are being prepared under the Act that was passed.