§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many schools in Northern Ireland are grant-aided.
§ Dr. MawhinneyA total of 1,344.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many schools in Northern Ireland do not receive grant aid; and on what grounds these schools fail to qualify for grant aid.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere are presently 19 independent schools registered with the Department of Education. These schools have been established outside the grant-aided system and so, by definition, do not receive assistance from public funds. The question of failing to qualify for grant aid does not therefore arise.