HC Deb 15 December 1955 vol 547 c1376
26. Mr. G. Longden

asked the Minister of Education whether he will now name the date when the Government propose to bring Part III of the Education Act, 1944, into operation.

Mr. Vosper

Yes, Sir. The Government have fixed 30th September, 1957, for Part III of the Education Act, 1944, and Part V of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1946, to come into force. Early in the New Year independent schools will be advised when and how they should apply to register and, generally, what these provisions entail.

Mr. Longden

Is my hon. Friend aware that the fact that he has been able to fix a date will give great satisfaction, not only to independent schools, but to all those parents who are able and willing to educate their children at their own expense?

Mr. Vosper

I believe that this announcement will be generally welcomed.

Mr. M. Stewart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it will also be welcomed by ordinary citizens who have been extremely anxious about the quality of the education provided in some private enterprise schools?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, Sir, but I do not think that the hon. Member should assume that a large number of independent schools will go out of action because of the announcement. I have reason to believe that the majority of schools will conform with the requirements of Part III.