HC Deb 23 July 1970 vol 804 cc738-9
25. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps she proposes to take following the proposal by the Inner London Education Authority to discontinue contributions towards places at direct grant and independent schools in the London area.

Mrs. Thatcher

At most of the direct grant schools affected by the decision of the I.L.E.A., other local education authorities have been taking up all or nearly all of the free places which the schools are required to offer as a condition of grant. I am in consultation with the Direct Grant Schools Committee about the future of the direct grant schools.

Mr. Hunt

I am glad that many of the other boroughs, particularly outer London boroughs, are interested in taking up these places, but will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that she will give every possible encouragement, perhaps even by financial contribution, to enable these outer London boroughs to take up the places relinquished as a result of that spiteful and short-sighted decision by the Inner London Education Authority?

Mrs. Thatcher

That is one of the matters which I am considering with the Direct Grant Schools Committee.

Mr. Molloy

Is the right hon. Lady aware that her answer, her abominable circular and her whole philosophy towards education are a complete negation of the Prime Ministers "One Nation" theme? Will she tell us who is the hypocrite?

Hon. Members

You are.

Mrs. Thatcher

I think that my hon. Friends are answering that question adequately.