§ Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she will reach a decision on applications from independent schools for permission to raise fees in accordance with notice that had been given to parents prior to the standstill period on prices; and when, in particular, her Department will be giving an answer to St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate, on this subject.
§ Mrs. ThatcherIndependent schools which have applied for my consent to an increase in fees during the standstill period of the counter-inflation programme are currently being informed of the results of their applications. My Department wrote to the solicitors acting for St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate, on 21st February 1973.