HC Deb 03 March 1981 vol 1000 cc103-4W
Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any education board in Northern Ireland charges a fee for music lessons in schools; and what action he now proposes to take in the light of the judgment by Mr. Justice Forbes on 25 February.

Mr. John Patten

[pursuant to his reply, 2 March 1981, c. 22]: No fees are proposed in Northern Ireland for general musical classes in schools.

A fee is charged only where pupils receive specialist instrumental tuition from a music tutor in schools or board's music centres. In the light of the judgment in Regina v. Hereford and Worcester Local Education Authority, ex parte Jones, legal advice is being sought.