§ 16. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, whether, in the interests of educational freedom, she will take steps to increase the number of schools which cannot be interfered with by her Department or local authorities.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI believe in a healthy independent sector. Schools which are not maintained by local education authorities are subject to the provisions of Part III of the Education Act, 1944 or of the Direct Grant School Regulations 1959.
§ Mr. KingMay I assume that my right hon. Friend will re-emphasise the desirability of a strong independent sector in the interests of educational advance and experiment? Will she confirm that one child independently educated saves the Treasury about £1,500?
§ Mrs. ThatcherI could not confirm the specific amount, but apart from that the answer is "Yes" to both parts of my hon. Friend's supplementary question.
§ Mr. MarksWill the right hon. Lady investigate those schools where unqualified people are in charge? Will she investigate those which have not been approved as efficient by her Department and particularly those which are not purpose-built?
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe schools are inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate.