HC Deb 17 July 1969 vol 787 cc865-6
13. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he now expects to receive the second report of the Public Schools Commission on private day schools.

29. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now give the latest date when he expects to receive the second report of the Public Schools Commission.

64. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when Part II of the Report of the Commission on Public Schools will be published; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Short

I hope to receive the Commission's second report towards the end of the year.

Mr. Price

Would my right hon. Friend agree that there is some urgency about getting this report quickly because, since he has given a pledge to legislate on comprehensive education next Session, it is important that the future of these day schools should be brought into the general ambit of comprehensive education and not left apart as a tiny privileged sector?

Mr. Short

I quite agree that this is a very important problem, because the direct grant schools retain selection in many areas which are otherwise fully comprehensive.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable speculation at the moment in education circles that the Commission is divided on what it is to report and that the report may be delayed until spring? The longer the period of uncertainty the greater the damage to the country's magnificent direct-grant schools.

Mr. Short

The hon. Member is better informed than I am. I know nothing about the way the Commission's report is going. All I know is that the chairman has promised the report towards the end of this year. What we cannot allow indefinitely is the use of public funds to retain selection in areas which otherwise are fully comprehensive.

Sir E. Boyle

Arising out of the last supplementary answer but one, is it not a fact that a number of direct-grant schools have deliberately altered the age of intake of public free places in order to meet reorganisation schemes? Will the right hon. Gentleman give a firm assurance to the House that he does not intend to interfere with such arrangements which involve these places being taken up at a later age than 11?

Mr. Short

I will not give any undertaking about these schools. I realise that some schools are making some moves towards fitting in with the local system. I welcome that very much and hope that more of them will do so.

Mr. Evelyn King

May we assume that the recommendations in the first report will never be implemented by any Government at any time?

Mr. Short

The hon. Member may make no such assumption. The divisive public schools will be dealt with—and dealt with, I hope, before very long.