Public Schools (Rate Relief)

HC Deb 17 December 1968 vol 775 cc1142-3

27. Miss Lestor

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to abolish rate relief for public schools.

Mr. Skeffington

The recommendations of the Public Schools Commission about the fiscal benefits which independent schools obtain as charities are being considered by the Government, but I cannot yet make a statement.

Miss Lestor

Is my hon. Friend not aware that this continued concession to privilege by the Labour Government is considered by those of us who believe in equality of opportunity in education to be somewhat contradictory in our present educational situation? Would he, therefore, consider the whole classification of charities, particularly as it applies to public schools?

Mr. Skeffington

The point of view which my hon. Friend puts is very much in the minds of Ministers.

Mr. Evelyn King

Would the hon. Gentleman concede that in respect of any child privately educated the State makes a substantial net profit?

Mr. Skeffington

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will inform me of exactly the basis for that statement, which is not altogether clear to me.

Mr. Roebuck

Is my hon. Friend aware that the ratepayers of Harrow have to bear an unnecessary burden as the result of the charity which they give to Harrow School? Is he further aware that it is the only comprehensive school in the borough and that my constituents cannot send their children there, although they have to help support it through the rates?

Mr. Skeffington

This also is a factor of which the Government are aware, although I think that if my hon. Friend examines the way in which the resources element in the rate support grant is given, he will see that what happens is that what Harrow loses by this concession is made up from central funds. But this still does not mean to say that the system is right.

Mr. John Page

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the continuing pride of the people of Harrow in the contribution to the education of the people of this country which the school has provided over the years?

Mr. Skeffington

I do not think that this has anything to do with pride in the institution. The question is, what is a fair and just system of rating relief? This is something which the Government are considering.