§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has to withdraw the arrangements under which certain private schools are recognised as efficient; what representations she has received from schools and 476W organisations on this matter; and whether she is satisfied that her decision will not be detrimental to the maintenance and recognition of high educational standards in the private sector.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonFor reasons of economy my right hon. Friend is having seriously to consider the discontinuation of the arrangements for recognising independent schools as efficient. She is shortly to meet representatives of the Independent Schools Joint Committee to hear and discuss their views of the consequences of such action. She has no intention of proposing any reduction in the statutory requirements for registration of independent schools, which ensure that adequate educational standards are maintained in these schools.