§ 95. Mr. GRANTasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that many schools are closed during epidemics, largely with a view of obtaining the full Grant, and that this practice frequently aggravates rather than curtails the spread of disease; and if, in consequence, he will consider the advisability of revising the existing regulations which reduce Grants owing to non-attendance through epidemics?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)I am aware that in some cases schools have been closed to avoid the reduction of Grant which might follow from reduced attendance due to epidemic sickness. Such a measure does not always conduce to the effective control of epidemics and should not be adopted except on competent medical advice. I am considering the reconstruction of the system of Grants, but I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter.