HC Deb 29 July 1924 vol 176 cc1895-6
69. Mr. SIMON

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of his statement that, he would like to see 40 per cent. of free places in secondary schools, he will ensure that in grant-aided schools the full cost of the free places shall be paid half by the rates and half by the taxes?

Mr. TREVELYAN

The cost of providing free places in grant-aided schools provided by local education authorities is already at present divided between rates and taxes equally. The incidence of the cost of providing them in other grant-aided schools not provided by local education authorities depends upon various factors. As have already announced in this House, I intend to review the existing arrangements for the award of free places, and the point which I think the hon. Member has in view will not be overlooked.

Mr. W. THORNE

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any action with a view to reducing the extraordinary fees that some local authorities are charging in the secondary schools?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman had better put that questkon on the Paper.