§ Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in respect of extension and continuation classes, extension of school age, feeding of children in holidays, and reducing the size of classes, he does not fear lack of money, and has not to overcome Government or Treasury reluctance so much as other kinds of reluctance; and, if this be the policy of the Department, what is estimated to be the cost of effecting these changes in our educational system?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)I find some difficulty in understanding precisely what my hon. Friend desires to learn. The difficulty of providing money has always to be considered, and naturally always exercises considerable influence in connection with new developments in education as well as in other matters of social reform. I am afraid I cannot undertake to commit my Department to acceptance of any policy expressed in such vague and general terms as those of the question, nor would it be possible to estimate the cost of effecting changes which are defined with so little precision.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask the Parliamentary Under-Secretary whether the words used in the question are not his own words, of the meaning of which he should be aware, on the Motion of the hon. Member for Mid-Lanark, and whether, if they are, it is not fair that the result of this policy should be expressed approximately—at least, in figures?
§ Mr. TREVELYANI have not had an opportunity of comparing the words, but when the policy is formulated the necessary financial steps will be taken to meet the requirements of it.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask if those were not the hon. Gentleman's words, or if I have misapprehended them?
§ Mr. TREVELYANI have not been able to compare them.