§ MR. ELLIOT (Durham)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education, if he can state what steps he proposes to take in view of the refusal of the County Council of Durham to put the Education Act in force in that county before April 1904.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Sir WILLIAM ANSON,) Oxford UniversityThe County Council of Durham, in common with some other councils, are desirous of making inquiries and preparations which may occupy a considerable time before bringing the Act into operation. In view of the possibility that the difficulty anticipated by these councils may have been over-estimated, the Board of Education have declined in any case to fix a later day than the 30th September; but a further postponement can be granted, and will be granted, if necessary.