HC Deb 25 January 1972 vol 829 cc419-20W
Dr. Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in what circumstances she is prepared to use her powers under Section 55 of the Education Act, 1944.

Mrs. Thatcher

Arrangements for the provision of transport and the payment of travelling expenses of pupils under Section 55 are primarily matters for the local education authorities. The power of direction under Section 55(1), which has been used very infrequently, has been invoked to cover individual cases of pupils attending denominational schools of their parents' choice. I would be prepared to exercise this power only if I thought it right to do so after examining the facts of the particular case.