§ SIR P. TEMPLEI beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education as to the meaning of the words "with regard to districts where all school places are not yet free," which occur in the Memorandum on Free Education recently issued by the Education Department; and whether they indicate any intention of the Department to press for the extinction of all school fees?
§ MR. ACLANDThe words quoted by the hon. Member indicate no intention on the part of the Department to deviate from the strict administration of the Act of 1891, under which certain schools are permitted to charge fees. All parents have a right in every district to free places if they desire them, and are entitled to write to the Department claiming such free places if they have any difficulty. The object of the Memorandum is to make clear the method by which free education, where it is desired, can be obtained.
§ MR. J. G. TALBOTIs the right hon. Gentleman also clear that this demand can only be made on those schools in which education is free?
§ MR. ACLANDA Memorandum showing people how to get education free in districts in which education is universally free would be of no use. The object of the Memorandum is to show them where they can get free education in districts in which education is not universally free.