HC Deb 26 February 1917 vol 90 cc1682-3
63. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, and, if so, when, his proposals for the reconstruction of our national system of education will be submitted to Parliament; and whether the House of Commons will be afforded an opportunity of considering and discussing the proposals before they are finally settled?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. H. A. L. Fisher)

I am sure that the hon. Member, who has done so much to advance technical education in this country, will be the first to realise the range and complexity of the task which confronts a new Minister who is called upon to survey the whole field of national education. I hope, however, at an early date to submit to the House proposals which, I venture to think, will be regarded as an important instalment as well as an organic part of a comprehensive plan.

Mr. RAFFAN

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the hardship to teachers through no official statement being made in respect to war bonus; will he make a statement that will enable the local authorities to grant a war bonus by relying for assistance upon the Exchequer?

64. Sir P. MAGNUS

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the several Education Committees nominated by the late Government have agreed as to their Reports; and whether their Reports will be submitted to the House at a date which will permit of their being discussed in connection with the proposed comprehensive scheme of educational reform?

Mr. FISHER

I understand th[...] Committee of which the Parlia[...] Secretary of the Board is Chair[...] to present its Report next mo[...] Committees on Science and Modern Languages are making good progress, but I cannot say when they will be in a position to report. I imagine that their Reports will relate largely to the curriculum, teaching, and organisation of educational institutions, the development of which (apart from the question of scholarships) depends rather on the influence of well-informed opinion than on regulations, grants, or legislation.

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