§ 11. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Education when he last urged local authorities not to require unreasonably expensive school uniforms.
§ Mr. VosperIn January, 1952, local education authorities were asked to eliminate any unnecessary expense either to themselves or to parents in the provision of school uniform.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the hon. Gentleman aware of what has happened since 1952? Does he consider it reasonable that working-class parents should be expected to find £20 or more to equip 12-year-old school children for admission to the local secondary school? Is he not 1591 aware that that imposes great hardship on many parents, and although they have the right to ask for financial aid in cases of hardship, they do not like to do it?
§ Mr. VosperI have visited many schools since the hon. and gallant Gentleman last asked this question, and I have not found any cases where an unreasonable requirement is made of the parents. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows of any particular local authority where that is the case I hope that he will bring it to my notice.