HC Deb 16 February 1882 vol 266 c777
MR. SPENCER BALFOUR

asked the Vice President of the Council, When he expects to be able to lay the New Code upon the Table?

MR. MUNDELLA

Sir, the New Code is now being drafted, and I hope to have it printed and laid on the Table not later than the 6th of March; but in order that sufficient time may be given for the changes it involves, both in teaching, office forms, and inspectorial organization, it is proposed that examinations under it shall not begin until after the 31st of March next year. I shall, therefore, at the same time, lay on the Table the existing Code, which, for purposes of payment, will continue in operation for the coming financial year. There will be only one slight change in it—namely, the maximum hours for the employment of pupil teachers will be reduced from 30 to 25 per week. This is in order to diminish the pressure of overwork upon pupil teachers, and to give them more leisure for study.