§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations she has had with Greater Manchester Council concerning the trust fund of £1 million set up by the council to aid independent schools; what are the financial sources of the fund; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend has received no official communication from the Greater Manchester Council about its intention to assist parents with the cost of fees at independent and direct grant schools, but I understand that the council, which is not a local education authority, will be using its powers under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 to finance the scheme. These proposals will add to the burden on the ratepayers of Greater Manchester unnecessarily, and will weaken local education authority schools in the area by depriving them of some able pupils.