HC Deb 08 July 1920 vol 131 cc1638-9
24. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in the East Riding of Yorkshire large central elementary education schools are being built, or are about to be built, at great expense, and that children between the ages of 12 and 14 are to be taken away from their own village schools and to be conveyed some miles every day to and from these central schools by motor cars or some other mode of conveyance at the public expense; whether this system, is being carried out in all the rural districts of England; and whether he will state the estimated cost of building these central schools and of conveying the children to and from the schools?

Mr. FISHER

I am aware that the Local Education Authority for the East Riding are considering the adoption of a policy of establishing central elementary schools for the purpose of Section 2 (1) (a) of the Education Act, 1918, and that the proposals before them would involve, in some cases, that children whose homes are at a distance from the schools should be conveyed to them by one means or another. The proposals of authorities are now being received by the Board and dealt with in consultation with the authorities. The question whether the advanced elementary instruction contemplated by the Act can best be provided by means of central schools depends largely upon the conditions in each area. The proposals of the East Riding Authority have not yet reached the stage at which the Board's consent to particular expenditure is required. In one of the only two cases which have yet been put before the Board by this authority the accommodation is to be provided in Army Huts.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these children between 12 and 14 are being exceedingly well educated in private schools at present, and that the proposed expenditure is a piece of wanton extravagance? Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to that?

Mr. FISHER

No.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?

Mr. FISHER

Every item in the scheme of the authority in question will be very carefully considered by the Board of Education, and the matter to which the hon. Member alludes will be taken into account.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

Arc these Estimates submitted to the Treasury?