§ Mr. CLYNES (for Mr. George Roberts)asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, on the occasion of parents applying for free education for their children in some of the council schools in Liverpool, they are asked how much money they earn, what rent they pay, how they spend their money, and how many children there are in the family; whether he is aware that the respectability of parents is judged by the streets in which they live, those who happen to live in certain streets being refused the application without inquiry; and whether he will make representations to the Liverpool education authority on the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere are in Liverpool certain public elementary schools in which fees are charged. Fees are charged in these schools in accordance with the provisions of the Elementary Education Act, 1891 (commonly known as the Free Education Act). I find that a considerable proportion of the children attending these schools have their fees remitted or reduced. I understand that it is usual in such cases to ascertain as far as possible by inquiry whether the circumstances of the parents of the children applying for admission free of charge are such as to warrant the remission or reduction of fees. The inquiries to which the question refers are no doubt made with this end in view. Such investigations should, of course, be conducted as delicately as possible. I have no information on the point referred to in the second paragraph of the question, but I do not understand that any question of respectability arises.
§ Mr. CLYNESDoes that apply to the council schools or to all schools?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot say what are the specific schools that now charge fees, but there is nothing in the Statute to prevent council schools charging fees under certain conditions.
§ Mr. BYLESIs it the policy of my right hon. Friend to terminate the practice of paying fees in any council school?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe only possibility of terminating that would be by amending the Statute. The Statute provides that in certain cases what may be called vested interests in the way of fee charging should be continued under certain limited circumstances.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes. I understand that free places are given in Liverpool schools under certain conditions which are defined, not by the local authority, but by Statute.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman ascertain if the lines of the inquiry into the condition of these parents are as stated in the question?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have given all the information I have. I cannot add to it.