47. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he has received representations from public bodies and political associations urging a temporary suspension of the putting into effect of the provisions of the Education Act, 1918; and what answer has he been able to make?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. I have received an appeal on this subejet, but I am unable to add anything to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on the 27th October to similar questions.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House who the political associations are that are anxious to stop education?
Captain COOTEMay we have the assurance that there is no intention of doing anything that will prevent the efficient progress of education in this country.
§ Mr. WATERSONHave the appeals been many, or a single one, or general?
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman say how many local authorities have sent in schemes and how many are putting them into operation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that I have received very many, but I have received some. I think it would be very serious—I could not conceive anything more serious—than that the nation should come to the conclusion that it cannot afford to give a good education to its children.