§ Mr. Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if, in the light of the ruling by Mr. Justice Forbes in the High Court that Hereford and Worcester county council could not charge parents for tuition in musical instruments in schools, he proposes to advise local education authorities that those which have made charges acted illegally and should refund to parents the money collected;
(2) what steps he is proposing to take following the decision in the High Court by Mr. Justice Forbes that Hereford and Worcester county council could not charge parents for tuition in musical instruments at school; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleI intend to study the implications of the High Court decision, a transcript of which is not yet available. It is too early to say how it may affect other local education authorities whose arrangements for providing tuition in musical instruments vary widely.