47. Dr. DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Education what action he is taking with those local education authorities who refuse to produce any scheme until they are satisfied that there are reliable indications that the Education (School Attendance) Bill will be placed on the Statute Book?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI have not considered it necessary to take any special action in these cases.
§ Mr. HARRISWould it not be better for the right hon. Gentleman, when he moves the Second Reading of his Bill, to 2348 deal with the subject so as to stop local authorities from shirking their responsibilities?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANThat does not arise out of the question.
Dr. DAVIESDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see that his answer to-day will act as a direct encouragement to those authorities who are suspicious to wait until the Bill has been drafted?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANThere are very few authorities concerned, awl there are no signs of others following their example.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make a definite statement that it is still the intention of the Government to apply this Act in April of next year?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANYes, Sir.