§ Mr. FRANCEasked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the deficiencies in the grants paid to local education authorities under The Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act, 1890; if he is aware that the estimates of many of these authorities have already been framed for this year; if he can hold out any hope that these deficiencies will be made good; and whether he will consider the possibility of taking the necessary steps to see that these grants for higher education are placed on a sounder and more permanent basis?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I also understand that the facts are as stated in the second part. The Government recognise that it is undesirable that so important a matter as education should be dependent on a fluctuating source of revenue, and they have decided to take steps to place it in future on a more stable basis.
§ Mr. FRANCEIn view of the satisfactory condition of the national finances, which the right hon. Gentleman announced yesterday, can he hold out any hope that at a very early date the local education authorities will be encouraged by further grants for this purpose?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI promise to consider the matter.
§ Lord BALCARRESWill the change take place in the present financial year?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEDoes the Noble Lord mean the year 1910–11?
§ Lord BALCARRESYes.
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEYes, I hope it will be possible; in fact, it is the intention of the Government that it shall be dealt with in this financial year.