§ 31. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Education if, in view of the serious effects it will have on further education, he will withdraw Circular No. 307.
§ Mr. VosperI have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) on 16th July and to the statement my right hon. Friend made in the debate last Wednesday.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Minister aware that, apart from other objections to this Circular which have been voiced in this House, this is the first time the Ministry has issued a directive to local authorities requiring the attaching of a specific fee to a particular course? Is not that a most undesirable interference with the initiative and independence of local authorities in the field of education?
§ Mr. VosperI cannot accept that. As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, my right hon. Friend has been prepared to discuss this with local authorities and has done so with the London County Council. As a result of such discussions certain modifications have been made.