HC Deb 07 December 1976 vol 922 cc220-1
14. Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many former direct grant schools have become independent; and how many have opted to take part in the State system.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Since the 1975 regulations were made 51 of the 170 direct grant grammar schools have opted to seek entry to the maintained system. None of the others has yet become independent; they will continue to be direct grant schools so long as any grant is being paid to them in respect of pupils previously admitted.

Mr. Sims

I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for those figures. Does she agree that they indicate that whereas in the past a wide variety of children have been able to benefit from the high standard of education offered in direct grant schools, in future the benefit will be confined to the children of wealthy families, including the children of certain of her right hon. and hon. Friends?

Mrs. Williams

I do not agree with that. The direct grant schools that have opted to go into the maintained system, which constitute about one-third of the total, will make a considerable contribution to the education of our children in the maintained sector.

Mr. Spearing

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House whether she was approached by any direct grant school inquiring whether she would consider allowing direct grant schools to remain as long as they went comprehensive and not into the maintained sector?

Mrs. Williams

I cannot reply positively to my hon. Friend in respect of my time at the Department. If my hon. Friend cares to write to me, I shall make investigations.