12. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that by raising to 48d. the limit under Article 6 (2) of the Regulations for substantive grant of elementary schools an extra annual charge of £7,000 will be thrown upon the rates of Nottingham; and whether the ratepayers will be consulted before such increase becomes operative?
§ Mr. FISHERI am aware that the alteration in the "prescribed amount" in Article 6 of the Regulations may make a difference to Nottingham, as to other areas, in respect of the year 1920–21; but I have received no information from the authority to enable me to estimate the amount of the difference.
Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a figure calculated by the responsible authorities, 1818 and that the rates in Nottingham are already exceedingly high, and will he endeavour to reconsider this imposition?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Necessitous Areas Grant was originally created to deal with a very few exceptional cases and the poverty limit was fixed at the rate of 27d. Owing to the great increase of expenditure all over the country a great many more authorities are now qualified for this particular grant and consequently the Board felt it necessary to raise the poverty limit. It is possible when all the estimates are received that they may be in a position to lower the limit slightly.
§ Major PRESCOTTIs it not possible to give the local education authorities more adequate notice of these proposed changes?
§ Mr. FISHERThey have notice before they give their estimates.