§ 11. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities select children for the secondary stage of education without a written examination.
§ Sir D. EcclesIf the hon. Member means without any written test at all, I know of only one.
§ Mr. ShortWill the right hon. Gentleman follow the lead given by his predecessor in the last speech she made in the House on this subject and urge the local authorities to experiment with selection without a written examination? Does he not agree that this examination is one of the biggest blots on our educational system?
§ Sir D. EcclesMethods of selection are the responsibility of local education authorities. The time has not been very long since the 11-plus test was brought in, and I think it is well to let the various authorities see how they get on.