Mr. Chairman, Board of Governors, Headmaster,
Thank you for your kind words of welcome.
Let me first congratulate you Sir [Mr. John Burnett] on your appointment as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Oporto British School. As a former Board member you know well the time and effort expended to complete this superb addition to your school. All the more worthy as a piece of private enterprise. You have had no need of state resources. It was by your own efforts that you succeeded. [end p1] No doubt at times you felt your ingenuity and enthusiasm taxed. The result is all the more to be applauded.
Education has always been a special interest of mine. For several years, when as Minister responsible for education and science, it was an all—consuming one.
Around the world I have been proud to see how much good will for Britain is created by schools such as yours. [end p2] Tuition in English to UK standards is deemed to be of sufficient importance to many citizens in friendly countries that they entrust their children, that most precious charge, to it entirely. This is a heavy responsibility and one you will not underestimate. Your 90 years of history suggest you know this well.
Time prevents me from looking at every aspect of this splendid new building. [end p3] But I am delighted to be with you this afternoon.
With a special personal pleasure I therefore declare this new school building open.