Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he has formed an estimate of the increased accommodation in elementary schools that will be necessary if the Education (School and Continuation Class Attendance) Bill passes into law; whether it will add to the expenditure of education authorities in any special districts, or in any large degree; and whether he has received any representations from local authorities in connection with these matters?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Runciman)The effect of the Bill as regards the need for increased accommodation will be governed to a great extent by the action taken under it by the local education authorities, which may take various forms. No reliable estimates can be framed until the intentions of the various authorities have been made known. Whatever action the authorities take the financial effect of the Bill will vary in their respective areas in relation to the prevailing educational and industrial conditions. In some areas increased expenditure would certainly be involved. It is not practicable to discuss the matter in detail within the limits of a reply to a question in this House. Four local education authorities have made representations to the Board on the subject of the Bill.
Mr. KINGWould the right hon. Gentleman state whether those local authorities that have made communications are large and representative ones, or only small ones?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf my hon. Friend will give me notice of the question I will give him the names, and he can judge for himself.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill is likely to be put down for Second Reading?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot make any statement as to business, as the hon. Member knows.
§ Mr. RAFFANMay I ask whether the Bill is to be pressed forward this Session?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot give any statement as regards business. As he knows, the business of the Session is very much congested.