HC Deb 21 November 1956 vol 560 cc1716-7
3. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in future, he will decline to accept for insertion in stamp-books or other Post Office material advertisements from correspondence colleges and other institutions claiming that, by coaching, they can secure for children entrance to grammar schools.

Dr. Hill

I am considering the matter raised by the hon. Member and will write to him later.

Mr. Stewart

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that on the back of a stamp-book I have here is a picture of a rejoicing family with the words, He's Passed! Thanks to —'s correspondence college. So can your child. Simplified Postal Courses specially written to prepare children for Grammar School Entrance Examinations". Is he further aware that the Minister of Education said last week in the course of a Parliamentary answer, I cannot believe anyone takes seriously a claim that coaching will get any child a place in a grammar school."—[OFFICIAL REPORT. 15th Nov., 1956; Vol. 560, c. 32.] Does he not agree that it is undesirable for the Government to get advertisement revenue from claims which the Government themselves say are bogus?

Dr. Hill

I, too, have a copy of the advertisement, and I share some of the hon. Member's uneasiness at any advertisement which purports to coach children for the 11-plus examination. It is because of that uneasiness that I am looking into the matter and will subsequently write to the hon. Member.