§ 31. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he intends to offer to all local education authorities the option of a single-block Grant for special instruction as already offered to and accepted by twenty local authorities; and whether these block-Grant payments have resulted in a larger number of scholars receiving instruction in special subjects?
Mr. PEASEIn view of the reform of the system of Grants for elementary education which is under consideration, I do not think it desirable to commit myself as regards the special subjects block Grant. It is not yet possible to say what effect the experimental introduction of the block Grant has had in the areas concerned.
§ 32. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of there being no provision made for any instruction in special subjects in any of the elementary schools of Doncaster, Hartlepool, Lewes, Aldershot, and other large districts, he intends to make it ob ligatory by legislation on all local authorities to provide education in these subjects?
Mr. PEASEI am well aware of the importance of the matter, but I must ask the hon. Member to await the announcement of the legislative proposals which are in contemplation.