66. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether the programme of educational reforms recently outlined by the President of the Board of Education has received the approval of the Cabinet; whether the cost of the changes will fall entirely on the Imperial Exchequer or whether it will have to be met partly by the local education authorities; whether it is intended to give preference as regards Exchequer contributions to local authorities falling in with his views with respect to increasing the school age and other matters; whether, in view of the largely increased burdens which will be cast upon the rates by these schemes, the local authorities will be first consulted; and if he will consider as to the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject of education with the object of ensuring that schemes shall not be embarked upon until all aspects of the matter have been fully investigated and the effect of the proposals on taxation and rating considered?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe statements of the President of the Board of Education have the authority of the Government. Under the existing system of grants, part of all education expenditure falls on the rates and part on the taxes, and no question of a preference to any area can arise in regard to either existing or increased expenditure. My right hon. Friend has been careful to say that for the development of the public system of education he depends greatly on the initiative and co-operation of local education authorities. I do not think that either generally or in connection with the practical proposals of my right hon. Friend occasion has arisen for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject of education.
Sir F. HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is advisable that Government proposals of such a far-reaching nature should first of all see light through a partizan journal, and should they not be brought forward first in this House?