HC Deb 23 February 1922 vol 150 cc2075-6
33. Mr. JOHN DAVISON

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the proposal of the Committee on National Expenditure that not more than 25 per cent. of the places available in secondary schools annually shall be reserved for free-place pupils from the elementary schools; whether he is aware that it is largely by means of the free-place system that the future entrants to the public teaching profession are educated, and that for the 10 years from 1909 to 1919 there was a grave shortage teachers; and whether he has considered the effects of the Committee's recommendation in diminishing the supply of teachers in the future?

37. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to introduce a Bill, in accordance with the recommendations of the Geddes Committee, to transfer the functions of the Transport Ministry to the Board of Trade; and, if so, when will it be presented?

42. Colonel LAMBERT WARD

asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Geddes Committee?

43. Mr. FORREST

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need for neglecting no opportunity of increasing our trade, he will most carefully investigate the business brought to this country by the Department of Overseas Trade before he recommends its virtual extinction as suggested by the Geddes Committee?

44. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Committee on National Expenditure has disregarded existing legislation in order to propose reductions on expenditure; whether he is aware that the Committee regard certain parts of the Mining Industry Act, 1920, as inapplicable or inoperative; and whether he is prepared to make any statement as to the attitude of the Government with regard to the proposals of the Committee on National Expenditure regarding the Mines Department?

53. Colonel BURN

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the Government will, at an early date, introduce a Bill for the abolition of the Ministry of Transport and the transfer of its functions to the Board of Trade?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Sir Robert Horne)

I would ask hon. Members to await the statement I intend to make next week with reference to the intentions of the Government regarding the recommendations made by the Committee on National Expenditure.

Earl WINTERTON

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will deal with the whole of the recommendations made in the Report, or with the specific ones mentioned in the Questions?

Sir R. HORNE

I do not say that I shall deal with every specific thing. If I did so my speech would be interminable. There will be opportunity for hon. Members to raise such questions in the Debate.