Vol. 413 No. 9
16 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education the average annual tuition fee paid in private fee-paying secondary schools; if he will estimate the effect on such fees of the complete removal of all State subsidies to such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As my Department do not seek or record details of tuition fees paid in private fee-paying secondary schools, I am not in a position to comment on how they might be affected by the removal of State assistance to such schools. However, as State assistance to these schools includes the payment of approved teachers' salaries, it is obvious that removal of State assistance would have significant consequences for the schools.
The general issue of fee-paying secondary schools is a matter which will be addressed in the Green Paper on Education. Accordingly, I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to make further comment on the matter at this stage.
