HC Deb 13 November 1973 vol 864 cc222-3
2. Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will list the range of responsibilities of her Department's Parliamentary Secretaries.

Mrs. Thatcher

Subject to my own responsibility, matters relating to higher and further education go to my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. St. John-Stevas) and those concerning schools and the youth service to my noble Friend Lord Sandford. This demarcation is not rigid: from time to time each of us deals with any matter which affects my Department.

Mr. Molloy

Is the Secretary of State aware that her hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. St. John-Stevas) is reported as having said last Saturday that, if most ordinary people made certain sacrifices, they could all have their children privately educated? Does she agree with that statement? If so, will she tell my constituents what sort of sacrifices they should make to have their children privately educated?

Mrs. Thatcher

I cannot confirm the hon. Gentleman's report of my hon. Friend's most excellent speeches which always make a considerable impact and which succeed in totally defeating all Opposition Members, as happened recently on television—defeating them as decisively as they were defeated at the polls on Thursday. It would help if more local authorities were prepared to give grants to independent schools for some parents who particularly wished to take advantage of them. My hon. Friend referred to that aspect.

Mr. Kinsey

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the attention of her noble Friend has been drawn to the statement of the Birmingham education committee chairman who has told children that if they fail the selection examination they will have to take any school that is available? Is not this blackmail? Will the right hon. Lady take steps to overcome it?

Mrs. Thatcher

I have heard suggestions about allegations. If my hon. Friend will let me have the details, we will look into the matter. On the whole, however, admissions policy is left to local education authorities. If they act unreasonably one can issue a direction under Section 68 of the Education Act.

Mr. Molloy

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to inform the House that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.