§ Mr. Denmanasked the Minister of Education what decision he has reached on the views in the Fleming Report put before him by the Governing 68W Bodies' Association and the Headmasters' Conference; and whether he is prepared to approve the assistance of schools by local education authorities under schemes A or B.
§ Mr. ButlerI am in close touch with the Governing Bodies' Associations for Boys' and Girls' Public Schools, the Headmasters' Conference, and other interested bodies, on the subject of the recommendations in Scheme A of the Fleming Report, but a final decision has not yet been reached. There is provision in Section 9 (1) of the Education Act, 1944, by which local education authorities can assist schools not maintained by them, subject to authorisation by the Minister, and I shall be prepared to authorise such assistance in suitable cases. Where, however, such assistance is given to schools receiving direct grants from the Ministry, it will, in accordance with a well-established rule, be excluded in the calculation of grant to the authority. Scheme B of the Fleming Report relates to the award of bursaries at independent public schools and I have not so far received the considered views of the Governing Bodies' Associations or Headmasters' Conference on this part of the Report.