§ Mr. MORRELLasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction 1750 aroused by the recent issue of Circular No. 776 abolishing examinations in all stages of natural science and in Stage I. of elementary science; whether he is aware that the issue without notice of a circular of this kind must have a disastrous effect on the teaching of science in technical schools throughout the country; and whether he can see his way to reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe changes of examinations referred to are not being made without notice, as implied in the second part of the question. Nearly a year's notice of the changes is given. I have no reason to suppose that the changes themselves have been received otherwise than with satisfaction by those best acquainted with the needs of scientific education as given in evening and technical schools, although, as might be expected, a few isolated protests have been received with regard to particular details in the complicated scheme of reorganisation set out in the circular. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. MORRELLWas not the circular issued in July to come in force in January?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo; nearly a year ago.