§ 43. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the anomalous position which has arisen owing to the Education Act of 1918 having been brought into partial operation in certain areas and forbidden by Cabinet decree to be brought into operation in other areas of the country, he will introduce a short Government Bill suspending the operation of the Education Act of 1918 for a period of years until the financial state of the country is in a better position to bear the heavy expenditure involved by the Act in respect of continuation schools and other matters?
§ Sir R. THOMASHaving regard to the fact that the best assets left in this country are the brains of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman not disregard the views of the hon. Member opposite?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think my answer will satisfy both parties. I do not consider that the temporary difficulties arising out of the present financial circumstances call for such general legislation as my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise the anomalous position we are in when a large part of the country where they put the Act into operation is compelled to provide 50 per cent. of the educational expenditure, whereas other parts are forbidden to put the Act into operation by Cabinet decrees?