HC Deb 22 May 1997 vol 294 cc833-4
12. Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's policy towards educational scholarships. [201]

Ms Estelle Morris

Scholarships are a matter for those organisations that award them.

Mr. Chope

I thank the hon. Lady for that helpful reply. Will she join me in congratulating Charles Mannon, the candidate that the Labour party put up in the Christchurch constituency in the general election, on the exemplary conduct that he displayed during the campaign? Does she agree that Mr. Mannon, who was educated at a public school with the benefit of an assisted place, is a supreme example of the value of the assisted places scheme, and of educational state scholarships?

Ms Morris

I am happy to join the hon. Gentleman in congratulating Mr. Mannon on his behaviour during the general election campaign. I am only sorry that I cannot congratulate him on being in the House today. The Government are far more intent on the educational future of the children who are now at school than we are on the educational past of Labour party candidates.