§ 26. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will state the number of direct grant schools in existence in 1964, 1969 and 1971; the total sum in grant for each of these three years; the grant per pupil for each of these three years; and the grant per pupil in real terms for each of these years.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeAs the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate the information in the Official Report.
§ Mr. McCrindleDoes not my hon. Friend agree that the country gets a good bargain in the direct grant schools'. 'If that is so, will he consider extending the number of direct grant schools so that more children from an ordinary background may be given the opportunity of a splendid education at such an institution?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI join my hon. Friend in a tribute to the work done in the educational service as a whole by the direct grant schools, but that is a different matter from adding to their list, at least at present.
§ Following is the information:
| DIRECT GRANT GRDAMMAR SCHOOLS (ENGLAND AND WALES) | |||
| Financial years | |||
| 19646–5 | 1969–70 | 1971–72 | |
| Number of schools | 179 | 178 | 176 |
| Total grant paid in the year (including remitted fees) | £6.7m. | £6.2m. | £7.6m. |
| Annual grant rate per pupil: | |||
| (a) all pupils | £45 | £32 | £42* |
| (b) additional sixth form grant | £84 | £84 | £84 |
| Average grant per pupil (excluding remitted fees): | |||
| (a) at current prices | £63 | £52 | £63 |
| (b) at 1971–72 prices | £99 | £63 | £63 |
| * The rate at the beginning of the year was £32 per annum. A supplement of £10 was paid in December, 1971. |