§ 10. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education whether he is satisfied that the present proportion of secondary grammar and secondary technical places available for children at the age of 11 plus is sufficient to give equality of opportunity in the secondary stage of education; and what steps he proposes to take to alter these proportions.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)Equality of opportunity does not depend only on the proportion of grammar and technical school places, but also on the provision of courses of high quality in other types of secondary school. It is the Government's aim, as explained in the White Paper, that every child shall be able to travel along the educational road as far as his ability and perseverance can carry him.
§ Mr. ThomasSurely the Parliamentary Secretary has not ignored the fact that over 70 per cent. of the children of Britain cannot hope to get a secondary grammar school education, however great their ability. Does not the Ministry wish to reduce the figure of over 70 per cent.?
§ Sir E. BoyleIf the hon. Gentleman reads the Government's recent White Paper, he will find that it explains very clearly the necessity of having similar courses for some children in modern schools and some in grammar schools. The hon. Member knows very well that we are always ready to consider the question of grammar school places in the light of local circumstances and arrange our building programme accordingly if need can be proved.