HC Deb 12 July 1962 vol 662 cc1491-3
12. Mr. Eden

asked the Minister of Education what action he will take, following representations made to him by the Eleven Plus Parents' Association, concerning the selection of children for grammar school places in Bournemouth; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Thompson

In the course of this year's selection process in Bournemouth there have been a number of changes of plan, in the course of which the second part of the tests was first cancelled and later restored for an intermediate group of pupils. It is for the authority to arrange the selection of pupils for secondary education and my right hon. Friend has no grounds for intervening in this case.

Mr. Eden

Is my hon. Friend aware that since last May the council has taken no fewer than three decisions affecting the method of selection this year? In view of this and of the apparent inability of the council to find a solution to the dilemma of its own creating, do not the strong protests of the parents, which have already been brought to my hon. Friend's attention, constitute sufficient ground for the intervention of my right hon. Friend?

Mr. Thompson

My right hon. Friend will take account of what has happened this year in considering what advice he ought to give the authority for the conduct of its affairs in future.

Mr. Willey

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that this strong feeling is not confined to Bournemouth and that it is general throughout the country? Surely what is needed is a comprehensive re-organisation of secondary education, and the sooner it is done, the better?

Mr. Thompson

That may or may not be so, but the Question relates to Bournemouth.

Mr. Eden

Is not my hon. Friend aware that the parents of the children were under the impression initially that they would go to a grammar school and that I am assured that there are ample grammar school places available for them and that the headmasters are prepared to take them should they be required to do so?

Mr. Thompson

I am aware of those considerations, but the fact is that the authority has tried, by offering the pupils an opportunity to take the second part of the test, to put right the confusion resulting from its earlier decision.

Dr. King

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Bournemouth authority awarded a number of places to children by its method of selection and then claimed that it had not grammar school places for them and is now asking them to sit an examination again? Does he not think this serious enough to warrant intervention by the Minister?

Mr. Thompson

That aspect of the matter was covered by my first supplementary answer.

Mr. Eden

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I beg to give notice that either I or my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East and Christchurch (Mr. Cordle) will seek your leave to raise the Whole matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.