HC Deb 01 December 1960 vol 631 c574
29. Mr. Hilton

asked the Minister of Education if he will now reconsider his decision not to receive a deputation from the Norfolk Education Committee.

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir. I have offered to arrange for the deputation to be received by an officer of my Department.

Mr. Hilton

Why will the Minister not receive this deputation? Is he aware that Norfolk Education Committee is desperately anxious to plan its future educational programme, and that the fact that we have so much leeway to make up is because in the past the Minister has been so niggardly? We in Norfolk are not prepared to remain quiet while our education is sacrificed for the benefit of more populous areas. Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision and see this deputation from Norfolk?

Sir D. Eccles

Norfolk has done well in the past, as I remember from the time when I was last at the Ministry. There are 146 authorities. I think the hon. Member will agree that I could not agree to see them all myself.

Mr. Hilton

I only ask that the Minister should see the Norfolk authority.