HC Deb 09 December 1920 vol 135 cc2422-3
84. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the direction contained in the Education Act, 1918, that the local education authority may, and when required by the Board of Education shall, submit a scheme in accordance with the provisions of the Act will mean the possible over- riding of the declared wishes of county and other elected authorities; and is he prepared to intimate to the House that for a period of not more than three years he is willing that the Act should be amended so as to omit the word "shall"?

Mr. LEWIS

I think that the local education authorities are amply protected against arbitrary or oppressive action by the Board of Education by Section 5 and Sub-section 5 of Section 44 of the Act, and I see no reason for the amendment of the Act in this particular.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is it not a fact that a deputation waited upon the President of the Board of Education on this subject?

Mr. LEWIS

I will make inquiries with regard to that.