HC Deb 12 December 1929 vol 233 cc646-7
52. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed to develop a new kind of education in connection with the training of school children in the final years of their tuition when the school-leaving age is raised; and, if so, what this form of instruction will be?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to Circular 1404 (of which I am sending him a copy), which indicates the nature of the instruction which it is my aim to secure for the older children.

58. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the President, of the Board of Education if he can now state the estimated increase in elementary school places caused by raising the school-leaving age to 15; what is the estimated increase in the number of teachers; and what is the estimated cost of the necessary new buildings for each of the three years after the raising of the age?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

As I have previously explained, I must await the authorities' programmes for the next three years before I can supply the particulars for which the hon. Member asks.

Mr. SMITHERS

Are we to take it that the Government have launched upon this enormous increase in education without knowing approximately what the cost will be, or what further numbers of teachers and buildings will be wanted?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

Certainly not.

Mr. SMITHERS

Cannot we have an answer.

HON. MEMBERS

Answer!

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman has answered the question.