§ 50. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that if the Education Act, 1891, is repealed, as proposed by the 545 Finance Bill, there will be nothing to prevent provided schools charging any fee not exceeding 9d. a week to scholars; and whether he will undertake that the Education Bill promised for this Session will give a statutory right to free education in all public elementary schools?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Pease)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. In view of the provisions of Schedule III. (5) of the Act of 1902 and the Board's powers under the Code and Section 17 of the Act of 1870, I cannot agree with my hon. Friend as to the effect of the proposed repeal of the Elementary Education Act, 1891, but as I have already informed him I am considering whether any amendment can be made to render the law relating to fees more satisfactory.