HC Deb 13 March 1969 vol 779 cc1544-5
17. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that he will comply with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 16th December, 1966, which upholds the rights of parents to choose for their children schools other than those established by public authorities which conform to such minimum educational standards as may be laid down or approved by the State.

Mr. Edward Short

In this country parents already have such rights.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's policy to adhere to, and maintain, those rights?

Mr. Short

This country signed the International Covenant in September of last year, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, it does not come into force until 35 countries have ratified it. So far only one country, Costa Rica, has ratified it. The Covenant says nothing about any subvention from public funds by way of direct grant, rate relief or tax relief for parents who send their children to private schools.

Mr. Molloy

On the question of parents' rights, can my right hon. Friend say whether, if a local authority wishes to decimate a good school for no particular reason in direct opposition to the wishes of the parents of the children at that school, as in the case of the Walpole School, Ealing, he gives as much cognisance to the views of the parents as he does to those of the local authority?

Mr. Short

I think my hon. Friend knows that at the moment I am considering the position of that school. I have to consider all the objections which have been made, and I hope to give my decision very shortly.