§ 15. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has so far been the cost to public funds of the Newsom Committee on the Public Schools; and what further expenditure will be incurred by the future activities of this body.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe cost of the First Report of the Public Schools Commission was about £52,000. I cannot estimate the cost of the Second Report.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes that figure include the research work done for the Commission after it had already decided on the main lines of its recommendations? Would not this money have been much better spent on rebuilding obsolescent schools in the borough of Kingston-upon-Thames?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterHear, hear.
§ Mr. ShortI would have thought that getting rid of one of the most divisive factors in our society was a matter for very high priority.
§ 17. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now use his powers as Charity Commissioner for Educational Charities to ensure that the public schools conform to those charitable purposes for which they were founded.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo, Sir.
§ Mr. PriceIs my right hon. Friend aware that Part 2 of the Report of the 1568 Public Schools Commission has disclosed that the charitable purpose of Eton College is to provide a school for children of good character and decent life who are poor and needy? Since the College has been disregarding its charter for many years, will my right hon. Friend respect the pious intentions of the founder and divert this endowment to the deprived primary schools in priority areas?
§ Mr. ShortI was very interested in this Question and took great trouble to look into it. I find that under the Endowed Schools Act, I have certain powers as Charity Commissioner for Educational Charities, but my powers are limited to taking action which is conducive to the advancement of learning. If I accepted my hon. Friend's proposal, I would insist that only Latin and grammar were taught at these schools, but I do not think that this would be regarded as being conducive to learning.
§ Mr. DoughtyWill the Secretary point out to his hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Christopher Price) that things have changed since the time of Edward VI?