P.M. stands by cuts

Press, 1 August 1989, Page 1

P.M. stands by cuts

By

BRENDON BURNS

in Wellington

The Budget announcement that teacher subsidies for independent schools will end next February was yesterday defended by the Prime Minister, Mr Lange.

But he predicted independent schools may soon realise that funding is available from the State under the Tomorrow’s Schools programme. However, the Government had asserted that it was the main provider and funder of compulsory education. “We use our resources for the State and conditionally integrated school system."

This was the rationale for ending the teacher subsidy for independent schools.

If people chose to give children an education outside the State system, this was a right which would be upheld. “But they don’t have the duty to call upon the taxpayer to fund the exercise of that right,” said Mr Lange. He was asked if this did not conflict with the thrust of the Picot report, which promises to fund parents who establish a school with 21 or more pupils; Mr Lange said provided such schools had approved charters and were accountable for the education provided, they would receive funding. “It will not be ?long before people take a new look at the Tomorrow’s Schools programme and realise there is life after death,” he said.