HC Deb 18 May 1915 vol 71 cc2126-7
31. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the increased cost of food, rent, coal, and clothes, which makes a fresh burden on the working classes, he will now approach those local authorities which charge fees for elementary school children with a view of relieving this burden?

Mr. PEASE

I am not proposing to make the representation suggested. I have no evidence and have received no representations that there is any deficiency of free places, and apparently there is no indication that the parents who pay these fees desire relief from them.

Mr. KING

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the case of Liverpool where a large number of free places have been commandeered by the military authority, and where the children are contributing £1,000 a month to the school authority?

Mr. PEASE

My attention has been called to that case, which is rather peculiar, owing to the fact that the school has been commandeered.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman revise his answer in view of the fact to which I have called his attention, and which shows that it is wrong?