asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made towards the integration of the direct grant schools into the State education system.

Since the Department wrote to the schools on 1st May, nine schools have informed the Department that they intend to enter the maintained system as comprehensive schools; I hope very many more will decide in principle to do so before the end of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether any plans have been made for pupils presently at direct grant schools to continue with their existing courses when the schools they are now attending enter the maintained sector.

My right hon. Friend will expect local education authorities to do everything within reason to ensure that these children are able to complete their courses.