HC Deb 18 July 1957 vol 573 cc1315-7
10. Dr. Broughton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what percentage of the children attending elementary schools in England and Wales entered grammar schools in each of the years 1946, 1951 and 1956.

Sir E. Boyle

In January, 1956, the proportion of 13-year old pupils in England and Wales in grammar schools maintained and assisted by local education authorities, or in the grammar streams of bilateral or multilateral schools, or holding places at direct grant grammar schools or at independent schools for which local education authorities were responsible, was 20.8 per cent. I cannot give exactly comparable figures for 1946 and 1951, because all the necessary statistics were not collected until 1954, but the available information suggests that the proportion increased very slightly over the period.

Dr. Broughton

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether his attention has been drawn to some shocking propaganda issued by his political party, in which it is stated that there are better educational opportunities for children under a Tory Government than under Socialism? Does not the hon. Gentleman think it very wrong that such propaganda should be published in the Press? Will he use his influence with his party chiefs to refrain from publishing the portraits of nice-looking children, who are probably the children of Socialists in any case, in this propaganda? If the hon. Gentleman must publish portraits, why not publish a portrait of the Cabinet and let the electorate see the horrible truth for themselves?

Sir E. Boyle

I do not see how that supplementary question arises from this Question, but since the hon. Member has given me the opportunity to mention that there has been great educational progress under this Government, I am very pleased to do so.

Mr. M. Stewart

Has the hon. Gentleman also noticed that in this propaganda there is a very unworthy and contemptuous reference to comprehensive schools, which will be rightly resented by the people who work in them?

Sir E. Boyle

I cannot debate comprehensive schools in answer to this Question. I made a statement on 5th April, which represented Government policy and gave general satisfaction in the House.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that we are looking forward to more grammar school places under the Conservative Party in the northern region and when are they going to come along? May I have an answer, please?

Sir E. Boyle

I was not sure that my hon. Friend's question arises out of this one—

Dame Irene Ward

That does not matter. I want an answer.

Sir E. Boyle

But if she will look at the figures she will find, as I have said, that there has been substantial progress in all departments of education during the past five years.