§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the restoration of the sys tem of recognition of independent schools as efficient.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend regrets that for reasons of economy and manpower it will not be possible to restore the arrangements for the recognition of independent schools as efficient, which were brought to an end by the previous Administration. The Independent Schools Joint Committee is considering the establishment of an accreditation scheme run by the independent schools themselves and has been offered the advice of Her Majesty's inspectors of schools on the running of such a scheme. All independent schools continue to be subject to the registration and inspection provisions of parts III and IV of the Education Act 1944.