§ Mr. Howieasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes he proposes to make in the membership of the Public Schools Commission when they come to consider their further terms of reference.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Commission has now completed its first report (on the integration of independent boarding schools) which will be published in the summer. I am proposing to reconstitute the Commission, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, to consider day independent and direct grant schools, and grant aided schools in Scotland—as announced in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr. Atkinson) on 23rd October 1967.
Sir John Newsom has indicated his wish to resign as Chairman now that the first report is completed. I have appointed Professor D. V. Donnison (the present Vice-Chairman) in his place, with effect from 1st May. There will be some changes in membership, and a committee will also be appointed by my right hon. Friend to consider grant-aided schools in Scotland, under the aegis of the Commission. I shall announce the full revised membership in due course. Meanwhile, I am grateful to Sir John Newsom and the present members for the time and effort they have given to the Commission's first report.—[Vol. 751, c. 387–8.]