§ 21. Mr. M. Stewartasked the Minister of Education whether he will institute an inquiry into the methods of allocation of children to different types of secondary school.
§ Sir E. BoyleNo, Sir.
§ Mr. StewartHas the Parliamentary Secretary noticed recent events in Devizes, from which it appears that influence and social position seem to have almost as much weight as intellectual attainment in deciding the allocation of the children to schools? Is that a matter worthy of his right hon. Friend's attention?
§ Sir E. BoyleI will certainly look into the matter to which the hon. Gentleman refers, although I would rather not state a view without carefully reviewing the evidence. In answer to the original Question, I may say that we have discussed the matter very exhaustively on numerous occasions in this House, and I do not think that an inquiry of the kind suggested would serve a useful purpose.