HC Deb 31 July 1958 vol 592 cc1576-8
30. Colonel R. H. Glyn

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the concern throughout North Dorset at the proposal to amalgamate the Gillingham Grammar School, which originated in the reign of King Henry VIII, with the Gillingham Modern School; and to what extent his approval to the amalgamation was given on the understanding that the proposed new school would be a comprehensive school.

Sir E. Boyle

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend approved the amalgamation of these schools only after he had thoroughly satisfied himself that this was the best means of meeting the various needs of all the children of secondary school age in the area.

Colonel Glyn

What steps were taken to inform the public that this would be a comprehensive school and to inform parents of their right to object if they so desired? Is my hon. Friend aware that within the last few days, I have had letters signed by over 260 parents stating that they had no previous knowledge of this matter and now wish to object to it?

Sir E. Boyle

I have tried carefully to read all the papers on this matter. There is no doubt that the local education authority fully performed its duty of publishing notices under the Act. It is unfortunate that in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question the word "comprehensive" was used in this context, because it tends to excite rather strong passions. The point at issue is a simple one. There was a small two-form entry grammar school and a two-form entry secondary-modern school. After examining the position carefully, my right hon. Friend decided that the educational advantage was on the side of having a four-form entry secondary school because that would be the best for the children in the area.

31. Colonel R. H. Glyn

asked the Minister of Education how many grammar schools in Great Britain have been amalgamated with other schools since the war; and how many of these amalgamations have been in the county of Dorset.

Sir E. Boyle

Fifty-five maintained grammar schools in England and Wales, including one in Dorset, had by January, 1958, been amalgamated with schools of other types or extended to accommodate pupils of all levels of ability.

Colonel Glyn

Is my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Dorset County Authority proposes to amalgamate three further grammar schools, making four in all, and that this is so much above the national average that I should like him to scrutinise the county's proposals closely?

Sir E. Boyle

We have had one case at Bridport; this afternoon my hon. and gallant Friend has a Question concerning Gillingham, and I understand that the Dorset authority proposes to replace the existing school at Beaminster by a school which would admit all pupils of secondary school age in the area. When that proposal comes to us officially with the objections, it will be considered carefully on its educational merits. Surely, that must be the right way to proceed in these matters, as opposed to hon. Members opposite, who wish to require local education authorities to organise education in accordance with a preconceived doctrine. Our method is very different.

Miss Bacon

Will the Parliamentary Secretary direct his hon. and gallant Friend's attention to the Gallup poll published yesterday in the News Chronicle?

Sir E. Boyle

Children are more important than Gallup polls. What we on this side are concerned with is to do our best for the children in all areas of the country.

Mr. M. Stewart

Has the Minister seen an interesting report in a Dorset local paper reporting proceedings at the Alfred Colfox School, Bridport, in which it was made clear that the fears entertained by some people about the comprehensive school are ill-founded and how well this school is serving the needs of the area?

Sir E. Boyle

The important thing, now that my right hon. Friend has made his decision after considering the matter carefully, is that the new secondary school at Gillingham should get off under the best possible auspices with the maximum amount of local good will.