§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received regarding the funding of Rudolf Steiner Waldorf education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend has received 120 letters from hon. Members and 20 letters from others interested in Steiner education. A deputation led by Mr. Brien Masters, chairman of the Steiner Schools Foundation was also received by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education—my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Forman)—in September. Steiner schools offer a distinctive approach to education and one which is clearly valued by parents and supporters of the schools. They thus contribute to the richness and diversity which is the hallmark of independent school provision in this country. There is, however, absolutely no justification for supporting this particular group of independent schools from public funds either now or in the future.