HC Deb 05 October 1944 vol 403 cc1157-8W
Mr. Denman

asked the Minister of Education under what circumstances he will approve arrangements made by local education authorities to continue to assist grammar schools, as contemplated in Clause 9 (1) of the Education Act; and whether, in view of the distant date of the raising of the school-leaving age to 16 years, he will discourage premature change to the status of a maintained school until both parents or local government electors have had a chance of expressing their views.

Mr. Butler

It will be necessary for the governors of grammar schools which are at present deficiency aided by a local education authority to decide whether or no they wish their schools to be maintained as voluntary schools under the provisions of the Education Act, 1944. They cannot reasonably be expected to do so until the Government have received; and considered the views of the Governing Bodies' Associations and the Headmasters' Conference on the Fleming Report. I indicated during the proceedings on the Bill that it is not intended that schools shall have recourse to Section 9 (1) merely in order to continue to charge fees.