§ 6. Mr. Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many completely new grammar schools have been built in England and Wales since the war; when the Department last authorised the building of a new grammar school; and how many times since then a local authority has been refused permission to build a grammar school.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasFour hundred and eleven, Sir, the last of which was programmed in 1964 to start in 1967–68. Since then no proposals to build new grammar schools have been submitted by local authorities.
§ Mr. MontgomeryIf a local authority decides that it would like a new grammar school in its area, and if a proposal is put to the Department, will it be looked upon favourably?
§ Mr. St. John-StevasAny proposal for a new grammar school would, of course, be considered on its merits. It would be subject to the procedures laid down 1553 under Section 13 of the Education Act, including the giving of public notice.
§ Mr. StokesIs my hon. Friend aware that while the public generally are grateful for what the Government have done to maintain the great grammar schools of this country they want to ensure that these schools continue to be supported by the Government, and also that sufficient new ones are to be built?
§ Mr. St. John-StevasI note my hon. Friend's remarks.