HC Deb 06 April 1925 vol 182 cc1825-6
76. Mr. GROVES

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, by Circular No. 1,340, dated 4th September, 1924, local education authorities were offered by the Board of Education an increased grant of £2 per head for free-place pupils in secondary schools in excess of 25 per cent. of the aggregate number of pupils on 1st October, 1924, and for succeeding years a grant of £3 per head; whether he is aware that on 9th February, 1925, the Board despatched Circular No. 1,352, stating that the Board bad decided to withdraw such grant; and whether, as each subsequent Circular will preclude the entrance of many prospective pupils, he will give the matter special and personal consideration and withdraw such subsequent Order?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)

I am aware of the position as represented in the first two parts of the question. As regards the third part, there is nothing in Circular No. 1,352 which precludes local education authorities from awarding additional free places. The Circular was the result of very special and personal consideration on my part, and I am not prepared to re-open the question.

Mr. GROVES

Is the Noble Lord aware that what he has just said means imposing further additional duties upon the local education authorities, and that they cannot afford to hear any more expense?

Lord E. PERCY

That is a general question of the grant, and not a question of specially making free places.