HC Deb 26 May 1966 vol 729 cc713-4
39. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the numbers of children from overseas countries at present attending independent schools in this country.

Mr. Redhead

I can make no estimate.

Mr. Hill

Ought not the Minister to attempt to get these figures since the number of children is a significant proportion, approaching 4 per cent. to 5 per cent. of the total? Does he not accept that when parents in foreign countries wish their children to go abroad for education it is desirable that they should come to Britain? Is it not a pity to injure the schools and deter parents through discriminatory taxation?

Mr. Redhead

My right hon. Friend already asks independent schools to inform him of the number and ages of their pupils. So far it has not been found necessary to ask them for further detailed information about their pupils. There is a limit to the number of requests which one can make for statistical purposes.