41. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the rates to be collected in the City of Westmister for 1921–22 show an increase of £541,650 over the figures for 1920–21, of which increase education accounts for £257,046, and that the city council's expenditure shows a decrease of £106,139, which is nullified by increased demands made by other authorities for no less than £647,789; and whether drastic steps will be taken to bring the expenditure for which the Ministry of Education is directly or indirectly responsible, and in a less degree that of other Ministries, within limits such as can be borne by the community?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which he received to a similar question on the 10th May from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. With regard to the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of the suggestion indicated by my hon. Friend.
Sir J. D. REESHas the right hon. Gentleman noticed that this question chiefly refers to education, and that, therefore, the reply of the Minister of Health does not cover the ground?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI notice that the figures in the question are the same figures that were in the previous question.
42. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the London County Council estimates for 1921–22 show an increase of 4d. for education; and whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to reduce the demands of the Ministry of Education?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. A report showing the items of increased educational expenditure was circulated 146 by the London County Council. The report does not justify the suggestion that the increases are due to the demands of the Board of Education.
Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these rates are pressing with extreme weight upon the ratepayers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not unaware of that, but that is not the question which the hon. Member asks. If he will read his own question he will find that it is quite different.
Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider increasing the amount of the necessitous school area grant, whereby the burden on the local authority will be reduced?