HC Deb 23 February 1900 vol 79 cc934-5
COLONEL LOCKWOOD

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the Technical Instruction Department under the new Board of Education will place the teaching of technology in the same position as regards State aid as the teaching of science and art.

SIR J. GORST

The Treasury grants to Technical Instruction were suspended (except in Ireland) in the year 1891 in consequence of the passing of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act, 1890, which placed large funds raised by imperial taxation at the disposal of local authorities. Since that date the functions of the Committee of Council in reference to technical instruction have been of a very limited character. It is impossible for me to conjecture before the new Board of Education is constituted what it may do; but I should think it improbable that the subjects for which Exchequer grants are made will be extended.