HC Deb 18 July 1957 vol 573 cc1326-7
26. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education the percentage national averages of children admitted to grammar and technical schools over the last four years; and what he estimates these will be during the next four years.

Sir E. Boyle

As the Answer to the first part of the Question contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The proportions have remained virtually constant during this period and my noble Friend hopes that in general they will be maintained.

Mr. Irving

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my Question, which asked for an estimate about the future?

Sir E. Boyle

I do not think it would be possible for me to give an estimate about the future, because these are, after all, largely matters for the individual local authorities. However, my noble Friend has always said in his speeches that he believes the proportion of children selected for grammar or technical schools ought to be aproximately 25 per cent., adding the two together. If the hon. Gentleman looks at the figures, he will find that my hon. Friend's proportion has on the whole been maintained during the last few years.

Mr. Chetwynd

When the block grant replaces the specific education grant, what guarantee will there be that this can be maintained? Will not the disparity be likely to increase?

Sir E. Boyle

We shall have an opportunity of debating the general grant in the near future.

Following is the information:

PERCENTAGE OF 13-YEAR-OLD PUPILS ATTENDING SCHOOLS MAINTAINED BY LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES OR HOLDING FREE PLACES AT DIRECT GRANT AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Grammar (including direct-grant and independent) Technical*
January, 1953 … 20.9 5.2
January, 1954 … 21.5 5.4
January, 1955 … 21.2 5.5
January, 1956 … 20.8 5.4
* Based on 14-year olds.