§ 49. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that local economic conditions do not warrant the application of the Education Act coming into force on the 1st January next; and if, in consequence, he will consider the desirability of postponing its operation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is not quite correct to say that the Act of 1918 comes into operation on the 1st January next, as the greater part of it is in operation already, but I recognise that the process of giving full effect to its provisions must be more gradual than I hoped when the Act was passed. I do not think legislation on the matter is required.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. HOPEMay I ask if that applies to the Scottish Act?
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that, is it not a fact that in Scotland the local authorities have refused to adminster the Act?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hope not, but I shall require notice of that.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand, then, that the operation of the Act has been delayed because we have spent so much money on other things outside education?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat does not in the least follow from the answer I have given.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill legislation be introduced for the purpose of postponing those parts of the Education Act which can be conveniently postponed, having regard to the great strain on our resources?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI said that legislation, in the view of the Government, was unnecessary.
§ Mr. LUNNIs it because of the opinion of many in this House that education should not be given to the working-class 1740 families similar to what they give to their own, that they are now opposing the Education Act?