HC Deb 15 May 1924 vol 173 cc1531-2
39. Mr. CLAYTON

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the withdrawal by the Board of Education Circular 1,190, issued on the 11th January, 1921, by the Circular 1,328 (3rd April, 1924), the general effect of which was to postpone expenditure on the development of educational facilities and the provision of sites and buildings, and to the statement of the Board of Education as conveyed to local education authorities throughout the country by Circular 1,328, that the Board of Education are prepared to revert to their old practice of considering on their merits all proposals in respects of elementary, technical, and nursery schools, the Board of Education are prepared to support their revival policy by amending their Grant Regulations, No. 1 (1924–25), Education Act, 1921, so as to provide for placing expenditure on sites and buildings upon the same footing as expenditure on special services, i.e., one-half instead of one-fifth as at present?

Mr. TREVELYAN

If occasion arises for a revision of the established system of grants, this suggestion, which has from time to time been made to the Board, will no doubt receive consideration. But I cannot commit myself to deal with it separately, or in advance of the Report of Lord Meston's Committee, which has not yet been received.