§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Education if she will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to her, of the boy whose admission to the Reading Junior School has been prevented by the geographical rearrangements effected by the Education Act, without suitable alternative arrangements being provided, notwithstanding written confirmation by the school that the application made in September, 1944, was in order; and whether, in view of the assurances given that the passage of the Act would not affect existing contracts, she will give instructions for the admission of this pupil without further delay.
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§ Miss WilkinsonI understand that the Berkshire authority are satisfied that there is suitable accommodation for junior children in the existing primary schools in the county and have, therefore, decided to admit no more junior pupils to their secondary grammar schools. In equity, therefore, they have felt bound to take the line that they could not accept financial responsibility for new junior pupils to go to Reading School. I am informed that the Berkshire authority's intentions were announced by public advertisement in February of last year. In the circumstances, I am not prepared to act in the manner suggested by the hen. Member.