§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will take steps to collect information as to the number and proportion of children who do not take part in the following activities, where they form part of the standard school day, in those local education authorities which levy charges for the activities (a)music, (b)swimming, (c)other sports and (d)domestic science; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to collect information about the practice of local education authorities as to the levying of charges for the following subjects where they form part of the school day (a)music, (b)swimming, (c)other sports and (d)domestic science; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThere are no plans to collect information in the form suggested. Section 61(1) of the Education Act 1944 prohibits the charging of fees in respect of the education provided in any maintained school, and we have made it clear that we look to local education authorities to ensure that this statutory requirement is met. We have also made it clear that we recognise that many parents are ready to make voluntary contributions to their children's98W schools, and that such generosity is to be welcomed provided that the contributions are genuinely voluntary and that no child is penalised because his parents are unwilling or unable to make such contributions.