§ Mr. NEWTONasked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the desirability of so altering the school attendance by-laws as to make it legal for a parent in case of illness to keep a child from school on the production of a certificate signed by a medical man to the effect that the presence of the child is necessary in the home, and a certificate signed by the chairman of the school managers saying that the parents are unable to afford to pay for the services of a nurse?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI doubt whether local education authorities would think it desirable to facilitate this practice. I think it should be possible to find means of dealing with the matter which will not prejudice the interests of the children.
§ Mr. NEWTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the local authorities with reference to these by-laws?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe are constantly in consultation with the local authorities.
§ Mr. NEWTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consult them on this particular point, which is a matter of considerable urgency?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have consulted them not only on this point, but on many others as well.