§ 5. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he now expects to lay before Parliament the necessary statutory regulations for the abolition of the direct grant.
§ Mr. MulleyAs soon as possible.
§ Mr. SimsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman accept that in the present economic situation there is no possible justification for laying upon local authorities the additional financial burden that would be involved in taking over the direct grant schools? Does he intend to ignore the very strong representation made on this matter to hon. Members in all parts of the House? Is he aware of the grave reservations about the wisdom of his policy which exist among members of the Labour Party throughout the country, a number of whom send their children to direct grant schools? Will he abandon these ridiculous proposals?
§ Mr. MulleyI quite understand the very strong opposition which comes from parents and others who are getting substantial benefit from direct grant schools by sending their children to what is virtually independent private education at below the normal cost, an advantage which is conferred only in certain areas. There are only 173 of these schools, and it is by no means certain that the additional cost falling on local education authorities will be substantial, but overall it could well work out that what we save in grant will be sufficient to pay the additional costs. We shall have to see.