HC Deb 13 February 1930 vol 235 cc592-4
48. Miss LEE

asked the President of the Board of Education the additional cost that would be involved by removing the means test in connection with the proposed allowances of 5s. per week to children between 14 and 15 years?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

The increase over the estimated cost given in the Memorandum on the Education (School Attendance) Bill would be, approximately, £2,000,000 per annum for England and Wales.

Miss LEE

Does the Minister not think that it would be very cheap at the price?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

That is a question for discussion.

60. Major NATHAN

asked the President of the Board of Education the maximum maintenance grant contemplated under the Education (School Attendance) Bill?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

I do not propose to settle the conditions governing the payment of maintenance allowances by the various local education authorities until the Committee advising me upon this question have made their recommendations.

Major NATHAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted with the Minister of Health as to the effect upon his housing proposals of the extra burden that will be cast upon the rates by the proposed arrangement?

Lord EUSTACE PERCY

Are we to understand from that answer that the Minister has now abandoned the maximum limit of 5s. which he had previously announced in the House?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

There is nothing in my answer which suggests that.

62. Dr. VERNON DAVIES

asked the President of the Board of Education when he expeots a Report from the committee of representatives of local authorities who have been invited to make recommendations as to scales of need and the procedure for determining eligibility for maintenance allowances for school children; and will the final decision be his responsibility alone?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

The Committee are meeting again to-morrow, but I cannot yet say when their Report may be expected. The final decision will, of course, be my responsibility.

Mr. BEAUMONT

In view of the grave uncertainty caused to local education authorities by the delay in the publica- tion of the findings of this Committee, will the right hon. Gentleman do all in his power to expedite the matter?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

As a matter of fact, I think the Committee has been very prompt.