§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that during the recent county council elections strong protest was raised, especially in the agricultural districts, against any further increase in 1040 the county rate levied for the national service of education; and whether, in view of such protest, the Board will cease to put pressure upon local education authorities to levy a general, as distinct from a special or local, rate for higher education pending the promised readjustment between local and Imperial burdens?
§ Mr. TREVELYANWith reference to the first part of the question, I have no official knowledge of the protest referred to, but the hon. Member's statement contains within it no element of improbability. Protests against any increase of the rates are a common feature of county council elections. With reference to the second part of the question, it is the duty of the Board to call the attention of local education authorities to any defects or deficiencies in the supply of higher education in their areas and to insist that the schools and classes, for which their financial aid is sought, shall be conducted efficiently and in suitable premises. It is only in respect of the fulfilment of this duty that the Board can be said to put pressure upon the authorities to levy a rate for higher education. I am not prepared to give any undertaking that the Board will cease to exercise their proper functions in this respect.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the county of Gloucester, although every district has voluntarily allowed itself to be levied for a higher education rate for its own particular secondary school, yet His Majesty's Inspectors of Secondary Education are threatening to reduce the grant unless a general county rate is provided for this purpose?
§ Mr. TREVELYANI do not think that is the form in which the Inspectors would put the matter. Presumably they are saying that the schools are not up to the standard required.