HC Deb 19 December 1963 vol 686 c1432
33. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education whether in view of the success of educational cruises on chartered liners like the "Dunera", he will seek powers to make grants towards such cruises earmarked for children who otherwise are too poor to take advantage of the cruises.

Sir E. Boyle

No, Sir. Local education authorities already have the power to assist pupils in the circumstances mentioned.

Dr. King

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these cruises, which are of inestimable educational value, are financed entirely by the children themselves and that the 1944Act lays down that nothing which is of educational value shall be kept from a child merely because of the poverty of its parents and that some local authorities are subsidising poor children? Could he not think seriously about himself making the kind of provision suggested?

Sir E. Boyle

I think that there would be difficulties about this. I am impressed with what many local education authorities do. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to refer the practice of any particular authority to me, I shall be happy to consider it.