§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are his plans for State-assisted places in private schools; whether any such expenditure will be deducted from grants to the relevant local education authority; and if these authorities can use the scheme at their own discretion.
§ Dr. BoysonProvision for the establishment of a scheme of assisted places at independent schools is included in the Education (No. 2) Bill which is published today. Government support for the scheme will be provided independently of the rate support grant to local authorities. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes that there will be co-operation between local education authorities and participating schools, and he will take account of the views of authorities concerning the operation of the scheme in their area, but the scheme will be established and operated through agreements between the Secretary of State and participating schools and will not be under the control of local education authorities.