§ 15. Mr. KINGasked why nursery schools as newly authorised are not public elementary schools; and whether this is due to any intention to make the use of these schools a matter of favour and privilege rather than of public right?
Mr. PEASEI presume that the hon. Member refers to the "day nurseries" in aid of which Grants will be made through the Board of Education. These institutions are not conducted as elementary schools, and the hon. Member will see, by reference to the Regulations, that they are intended for the benefit of the poorest class of parents whose circumstances oblige them to go out to work. At present they are all voluntary institutions, and their accommodation is very limited.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when he authorised the cutting down of infant schools he held out the prospect of nursery schools in their place, and that these nursery schools as now authorised are in no way a fulfilment of the offer which was then made?
Mr. PEASEAt any rate, we have quite recently been able to give Grants to these nursery schools, and local education authorities can also give grants to these schools if they are utilised in connection with elementary schools.