§ MR. ASHLEYI beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether, in arriving at the sum of £1,000,000 provided in the Education Bill, he based his estimate on the prospective increase of local burdens consequent upon the Bill, or on the existing amount of the education rate; and on what principle of calculation he has specified the sum mentioned which apparently provides only a sum of £70 for each voluntary school in England and Wales.
§ MR. BIRRELLI must refer the hon. Member to my Answer to a similar Question which he asked me on April 26th.† I have nothing to add to that Answer. I do not think it in the public interest to enter upon any argumentative defence or explanation of provisions in the Education Bill by means of Question and Answer, which can better be dealt with in Committee of the House upon the Bill.
LORD BALCAREES (Lancashire, Chorley)When can we have the basis of these figures? Will it be so that we can make inquiries before the Committee stage is reached?
§ MR. BIRRELLI will communicate with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject.