§ 2. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a further statement on his policy regarding the future of the direct grant schools in England and Wales.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Edward Short)Not before I have received and considered the second report of the Public Schools Commission.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithBut in view of the excellence of the vast majority of direct grant schools, would the Secretary of State agree that they should be sustained and encouraged rather than penalised? As they are perhaps the best example of democratic and progressive education in this country, would the Minister, as an enlightened man, be their friend rather than their enemy?
§ Mr. ShortI hope that I am the friend of all worth-while and excellent educational institutions, but we want these schools to integrate in the reorganisation of secondary schools on comprehensive lines.
§ Sir E. BoyleWill the right hon. Gentleman acknowledge what does not always seem to be fully recognised, namely, the essential contribution made by these schools, particularly in the North of England, to the total provision, especially for many parents wanting a denominational education for their children?
§ Mr. ShortI agree that these schools make a first rate educational contribution and also make a contribution to the provision of denominational education. At the same time we want these schools to become integrated in the general reorganisation on comprehensive lines. We cannot allow the injustice of selection to continue.