HC Deb 14 August 1916 vol 85 cc1412-3
60. Colonel Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Prime Minister whether, as an alternative to setting up separate Committees to inquire into the education question, he will appoint a Minister as President of the Board of Education who has not only sympathy for better education of the people, but a wide knowledge of the subject; and whether the Government has any intention of carrying out a reform, the necessity of which is generally acknowledged, namely, the provision of day-time continuation classes for boys and girls as a supplement to elementary education?

The PRIME MINISTER

As no vacancy in this Office has yet been announced the first part of the question does not arise; the matter mentioned in the second part is being investigated by a Departmental Committer appointed by the President of the Board of Education, and their recommendations will be carefully considered by the Government.

Mr. PRINGLE

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is in fact anybody holding the office of the President of the Board of Education?

The, PRIME MINISTER

Oh, yes, Sir. It is continued to be held for the moment by my right hon. Friend. It will be filled up in a day or two.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to put this office on full equality with other offices in the Cabinet, in view of its great importance to the nation?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir, I hope I shall.