To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science of what plans he is aware for the establishment of any trust or other body to support or encourage the development of grant-maintained schools; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards such trusts or bodies receiving finanical assistance from public funds.

I am aware that there are plans to establish an independent trust with the aim of supporting the development of grant-maintained schools. I welcome this initiative. If such a body were in due course to make an application to my Department for financial assistance towards specific activities intended to provide support or advice for schools which had acquired grant-maintained status, the Department would be prepared to consider it.