HC Deb 15 November 1928 vol 222 cc1062-3
24. Sir ROBERT THOMAS

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that there is in Wales an increasing realisation that the special educational needs of the principality can only be properly met by a greater degree of self-government in education; and whether he will draw up a scheme to provide for this?

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

No, Sir; I cannot say that during the last four years I have found the responsible educational authorities in Wales at all anxious to change the existing system under which the special educational needs of Wales are entrusted to the care of the Welsh Department of the Board with a Welsh Inspectorate, and Intermediate and University Education fall within the purview of two exclusively Welsh bodies, namely the Central Welsh Board and the Court of the University of Wales.

Sir R. THOMAS

Does the noble Lord think that it is fair to make such a remarkable distinction between the education administration in Wales and Scotland?

Lord E. PERCY

I do not think that that has any bearing on the question. The question is whether the Welsh local education authorities prefer as a practical thing to deal with the Board of Education, or whether they wish to deal with another body which will probably limit their powers just as much as they are limited now.

Sir R. THOMAS

Will the noble Lord give his authority for saying that the Welsh education authorities do prefer to deal with the Board of Education in London?

Lord E. PERCY

I did not say that they did. I said that the question was whether they did or did not.

Sir R. THOMAS

Does the noble Lord not think that it is his duty to ascertain, having regard to the fact that in Scotland they have administrative autonomy in education?

Lord E. PERCY

I have already pointed out in my answer that I have ascertained what in my view is the feeling of those education authorities, and doubtless the hon. Baronet will try and ascertain for himself.

Sir R. THOMAS

Really, does not the right hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]