§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON () Tower Hamlets, PoplarI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury what amount of grant, under the new Aid Grant Clause, would, in round numbers, be payable to the elementary schools of London under the Education (England and Wales) Bill for the first twelve months after the Bill comes into operation, if the provisions of the Bill applied to London.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.In answer to the hon. Gentleman, I have to say that we have no special materials at our disposal for answering hypothetical questions as to the amount London would get. It is, of course, impossible to assume the precise date when the Bill will come into operation in any area under the Bill, and if we are fortunate in passing our Bill for London next session, there is no reason why London should not come under the operation of the Bill earlier than many other areas. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that there was an Amendment down, which, for reasons the House knows of, we did not move, extending the period before the Bill actually comes into operation from a year to eighteen months. We still think some extension of time is necessary, and we propose to move it at the next stage.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONDo I understand that it is difficult to get data on which to found an answer?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt must be hypothetical.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI understand the probabilities are that the Bill for London will come into force as soon as that for the other areas.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURMy answer is, I do not know any reason why we should not pass a Bill for London that will enable London to come in before the lastappointed day that will apply to other areas.
§ MR. BRYCEWe may take it that it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill dealing with London next session?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURCertainly, That is my hope.