§ 13. Mr. A. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what respects the conditions differ in Scotland from those in England regarding the reservation of places for non-fee-paying pupils imposed on schools receiving direct grants; and whether he will make it a condition of direct grant in Scotland that a proportion of non-paying pupils be admitted.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Education informs me that one of the conditions on which direct grant is paid to grammar schools in England is that at least 25 per cent. of the admissions must be free of tuition fee, and that further places up to 50 per cent. in all must be put at the disposal of local education authorities if they so require. No such condition applies in Scotland. The Education (Scotland) Miscellaneous Grants Regulations, 1948, will have to be reviewed later this year, and I shall then consider whether such a condition should be introduced.
§ Mr. WoodburnWhen the Minister is examining this problem, will he also find out whether or not the Scottish students at these schools are prejudiced compared with students at similar schools in England in connection with examinations for the Army and other Services, because of the different dates and different types of qualification? Is not he aware, for instance, that it is possible for students in some of these schools to go to Cambridge University and other universities in England but not to Scottish universities? It seems to me that the Scottish boy is being penalised.
§ Mr. MacphersonThat seems rather a different question, but my right hon. Friend will certainly bear it in mind.