§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further discussions she has had with Lord Vaizey, the Chairman of the Gulbenkian Committee on the Training of Musicians; and when she expects to be in a position to announce her policy on secondary schooling for musicians of exceptional talent.
§ Mr. OakesA meeting was held on 14th March at which my right hon. Friend, my noble Friend and I discussed with members of the Gulbenkian Committee Enquiry and officers of the Gulbenkian Foundation various matters arising from the committee's report. Lord Vaizey himself was unable to be present.
In her letter to Lord Vaizey of 10th February, which was published in the Official Report for 27th February [Vol. 945, c. 35–9] my right hon. Friend made clear her belief that the main thrust in improving musical training at school age should be through the maintained sector. Local education authorities are, however, free to assist children with particular talent to attend non-maintained schools, and my right hon. Friend pays grant directly to the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal Ballet Lower School to allow them to operate a scheme of fee remission in accordance with parental means. My right hon. Friend is considering representations that have been made to her by hon. Members and others about other non-maintained schools.