§ 22. Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils applied for admission to the grant aided fee-paying schools in Glasgow for the 1969 to 1970 school session; how many were admitted; and how many were refused.
§ Mr. BuchananI am not surprised that the information is not available. To those of us who live in Glasgow it is well known that the children of many people who wish their children to attend fee-paying schools are refused admission, which explodes the myth of parental choice in the Tory philosophy.
Mr. TaylorThe hon. Gentleman is trying to get me to make a more definitive general policy statement on grant-aided and other schools. That is a wider question, 658 and it is too early to make a statement on it.
§ Mr. MacArthurCan my hon. Friend at least give an indication that the grant-aided schools in Scotland will be supported and encouraged by the Conservative Government?
Mr. TaylorI think my hon. Friend is aware that we see a real rôle for the grant-aided schools in our education structure, and I am glad to give him that assurance.
§ 34. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from teachers' organisations in Scotland expressing support of his policy regarding local authority fee-paying schools.
Mr. Edward TaylorMy right hon. Friend has received no such representations either for or against the policy.
§ Mr. HannanIn the absence of such representations and support for the Government's policy from those qualified to express views, is it the intention of the present Government to proceed with political dogma in this matter instead of bringing reason to bear? Is the hon. Gentleman in favour of apartheid in intelligence as well as in race?
Mr. TaylorThe hon. Member has totally misinterpreted what the Government are committed to do. The Government will indeed fulfil their pledge to introduce the necessary legislation to restore freedom to local authorities to charge fees if they so desire. This is a question of freedom for local authorities. We are not imposing anything on any local authority.
§ Mr. BrewisHas not my hon. Friend received many representations from parents, teachers in schools and members of the public in Edinburgh that fee-paying schools should continue?
Mr. TaylorYes, indeed. I think that the absence of representation against the policy shows that it appears to be generally acceptable to the people of Scotland.