§ 62. Sir EVELYN CECILasked the President of the Board of Education whether His Majesty's Government will further consider, from the point of view of public economy without diminution of efficiency, the establishment of infant nursing schools or creches, as they are known in France and other countries, for children under six or seven years old, since it appears quite unnecessary to employ certificated teachers rather than properly qualified nurses to look after children of such tender ages?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Fisher)The cost of conducting nursery schools under Section 19 of the Education Act, 1918, has been engaging my attention. I should be very glad if the cost could be so reduced so as to allow of their more general provision, but I am afraid that, quite apart from such portion of the expenditure as is attributable to the employment of certificated teachers, the cost per head is high.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSWill the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements and if necessary alter the law so as to make it optional for children under six years of age to attend elementary schools?
§ Mr. FISHERI have announced already that I am in favour of such an arrangement.