§ 7. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education, whether he is aware that the French Minister of Education has issued a circular to French local authorities urging that the attendance of children at school should be more rigorously observed at the present time than ever; and whether he will inquire, or has already inquired, the grounds upon which our French allies have adopted a policy with regard to education directly the reverse of the policy of His Majesty's Government?
Mr. PEASEI have seen the circular referred to, dated 5th January, and also a later circular, dated 4th March, which appears to facilitate the exemption of children under twelve from school attendance for agricultural work. The inquiry suggested in the second part of the question would, therefore, be inappropriate.