HC Deb 07 December 1922 vol 159 c1971
39. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that Circular 1259 has aroused many protests from local authorities as calculated to hamper them in the provision of secondary education, he will withdraw this circular?

Major BARNSTON

The answer is in the negative. I cannot defend the anomaly under which the Exchequer is liable to bear a larger proportion of the cost of a school which is aided by an authority, than of a school which is provided by the authority.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Will my hon. Friend appeal to the Education Minister to withdraw a circular which, to say the least, is not worthy of such an enlightened and progressive Government as the present?

Major BARNSTON

I will convey what the Noble Lord suggests to my right hon. Friend.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask why the questions to the Board of Education are not being answered by the Education Minister?

Major BARNSTON

My right hon. Friend is engaged on official duties at Worcester.