HC Deb 24 January 1957 vol 563 cc360-2
2. Mr. Proctor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what arrangements are made between the Lancashire County Council and the governors of the Manchester Grammar School for the admission of scholarship pupils to the Manchester Grammar School and for the allocation of places in the Manchester Grammar School by the Lancashire County Council; and whether he will arrange for the Lancashire County Council to assume responsibility for payment of fees of all those pupils attending the Manchester Grammar School who have, by examinations run by the Lancashire County Council, attained the necessary standard for entrance to a grammar school.

Sir E. Boyle

The Lancashire County Council takes up free places at Manchester Grammar School to the extent of 25 per cent. of the school's total intake from the county in the previous year. These places are allotted to boys who have both qualified in the county selection examination and have also either obtained high marks in the school's entrance examination or have shown a special reason for attending the school. My noble Friend has no reason to suppose that these arrangements are not satisfactory. In any event, the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question would appear to be one for the Lancashire local education authority.

Mr. Proctor

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that we on this side of the House wish him every success in his new office and hope that he will be more successful with children than he was recently with his party? Is he aware that parents in Lancashire would like to know the methods and principles by which this selection is made? Is he aware that they must not only be fair but appear to be fair, and that there is considerable feeling among parents on this matter, as is revealed by my postbag? Can he say how much we contribute by direct grant to Manchester Grammar School?

Sir E. Boyle

The direct grant is £36 per pupil, with an extra £40 for each sixth-former. The hon. Member's other question dealt with an important and slightly complicated matter. I will write to him about it, or gladly see him if he would like to speak to me.